The family of three sisters seriously injured in a head-on collision on the M9 motorway have thanked members of the public for their "kindness and generosity" in a fresh update.
Ella Hendricken, Niamh Kinsella and Alma Kinsella, aged in their 20s and 30s, as well as a young boy, were seriously injured when a car crashed head-on into their vehicle last weekend in Co Kildare. Five teenagers in the other car, which was travelling the wrong way down the M9, died.
Funerals held for five teenagers
The funerals of the five teenagers – Joe Carthy, Jack Kennedy, Alex McCarthy, Jeremy O'Brien and Kamil Pustkowski – have all taken place in recent days.
In the wake of the crash, an online fundraiser was set up by a friend of one of the injured women, who said the family are "facing a long and challenging road ahead".
Fundraiser reaches almost €770,000
At the time of writing, the GoFundMe had reached almost €770,000. In a statement posted on the fundraising page, a family member said their focus is "completely on the girls and being together as a family".
"Hi everyone, we wanted to take a moment as a family to say a heartfelt thank you to every single person who has supported Ella, Niamh and Alma," the statement said. "The kindness and generosity shown to our family has been truly overwhelming."
Family asks for privacy
"From everyone who has donated, shared the fundraiser, sent messages, kept us in their thoughts or supported us in any way, please know how much it means to all of us. Right now, our focus is completely on the girls and being together as a family."
"We aren't ready to share any further details at this stage and we really appreciate everyone continuing to respect our privacy. What we did want to do was personally acknowledge the incredible support we've received."
"Seeing so many people come together for the girls has meant more to us than we could ever properly put into words. Thank you for continuing to keep Ella, Niamh and Alma in your thoughts, and for all the love and support you've shown our family. With love and gratitude, Clare and family."
