A Tillicoultry mum facing sky-high energy bills to keep her daughter’s life-support equipment running has told of her shock after Hollywood A-lister Kate Winslet donated £17,000 towards the costs.
Speaking to the Observer yesterday, Carolynne Hunter, whose energy bills are set to soar to £1400 per month, has been left overwhelmed after the Titanic star responded to a GoFundMe appeal set up on her behalf, describing her as “a really kind woman”.
The family’s plight has made its way across the world, with more than £35,000 now raised, which Carolynne said was “truly heartwarming”.
The mum-of-four cares for 12-year-old daughter Freya – the youngest of four children – who has severe complex health problems and disabilities, is non-verbal and blind and requires full-time oxygen and at-home nursing care.
Last week, she was contacted by a worker for GoFundMe to inform her that a “high profile” person wished to help towards the costs. From there, GoFundMe set up the fundraising page on Carolynne and Freya’s behalf – with the first donation coming from the Oscar winner.
Carolynne said: “I didn’t create the GoFundMe page, I had just been campaigning (against the rising energy costs) for the last seven months. I was campaigning the government to do more, not to raise money for Freya.
“At first I thought it was a joke. I thought it was a big wind up.”
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However, after seeing the fundraising web page with the mammoth donation, Carolynne was left stunned and has since been in touch with Ms Winslet via email and is happy that the actor’s involvement has allowed a light to be shone on the issue.
She added: “Kate has given me a platform to highlight the campaign.
“She’s a really kind woman and a really nice person.”
Since Ms Winslet’s generous donation, the fundraiser has attracted more than £35,800 at the time of print.
Carolynne said that her energy bills were around £225 a month back in March.
In April, that rose to £400 per month. As of October it further rose to £505 and is predicted to hit £1400 per month by April.
In an update on the GoFundMe page this week, Carolynne added: “Since this fund raising page has went live, it has been truly heartwarming to see so many people across the world supporting Freya.
“Freya and I are so grateful for your generosity and kind messages. The love and support we have received so far has been overwhelming and it is so amazing that we have already reached our original target.
“My main goal has always been to keep Freya safe and comfortable making sure all her medical needs are being met whilst allowing me to keep my bills as low as possible, so I’m increasing my goal so that I can explore finding more sustainable energy efficient ways to continue to care for Freya and my family.”
Since March, Carolynne has been campaigning publicly – through social media, newspapers, radio interviews, TV broadcasts and speaking to politicians – to highlight the serious impact the rising cost of energy is having on people who require a high level of medical care at home.
Freya’s case was even raised at Holyrood, during First Minister’s Questions.
To support the family, click here.
