Denby McLaren, from Larkhall in South Lanarkshire, has issued a statement from her hospital bed after plunging from a third-floor hotel balcony in Greece. The 30-year-old suffered a broken vertebra and broken bones in her foot during the fall, which happened while she was celebrating her 30th birthday on holiday with her mum.
Denby has been in a Greek hospital for four days following the incident. Her family are desperate to bring her home to Scotland, but the cost has added further strain. A fundraiser set up to help get her home has raised nearly £14,000 at the time of writing.
Statement from hospital
Denby has now issued a statement from hospital via her boyfriend, Craig Anderson, thanking those who have donated. A statement posted on Facebook reads: "Denby has received so many messages and, unfortunately isn't well enough at the moment to reply to everyone personally. Don't think she's ignoring anyone or being rude by not responding. She is so grateful for every message and will get back to everyone as soon as she's feeling well enough.
"Denby, myself, her mum and all of her family want to say a massive thank you for all the love, support, kindness and generosity everyone has shown us so far. We are completely overwhelmed by the support we've received, especially through the donations people have generously made. We honestly can't put into words how much this means to us and how grateful we are to everyone who has donated, shared, sent messages or helped in any way.
"Every single contribution, no matter how big or small, means more to us than you will ever know and will make such a difference during this incredibly difficult time."
Return to Scotland
Denby will need to come home by air ambulance and travel on a stretcher with medical assistance throughout the journey. The family said the cost of this has been "overwhelming" and said "no one should have to experience this".
A GoFundMe statement reads: "Never in a million years did we imagine we would find ourselves in this position. What should have been a happy time filled with memories has turned into every family’s worst nightmare.
"It is impossible to put into words the fear, heartbreak and uncertainty that Denby and our family are experiencing. In a moment, everything changed, and we are now facing a situation none of us could ever have prepared for.
"Denby's safe return to Scotland comes with significant costs that we were completely unprepared for. We want nothing more than for Denby to be back on home soil where she can receive the ongoing medical care and treatment she needs and begin the long road to recovery with her loved ones by her side."
