A Scottish woman who fell from a third-floor hotel balcony in Greece has released a statement from her hospital bed. Denby McLaren, from Larkhall in South Lanarkshire, sustained devastating injuries including a broken vertebra and broken bones in her foot. The fall occurred while she was celebrating her 30th birthday.
Fall during birthday holiday
Denby has spent four days in a Greek hospital following the incident, which happened during a holiday with her mother. Her family are trying to bring her back to Scotland, but the financial burden has added to the strain, according to the Daily Record.
Fundraiser and statement
A fundraising campaign set up to cover the costs of bringing her home has raised nearly £14,000 at the time of writing. Denby has issued a statement from her hospital bed through her boyfriend, Craig Anderson, expressing gratitude to 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."
"It's been an extremely emotional and overwhelming time for all of us, and knowing how many people care and are willing to help has touched our hearts more than we can explain."
Repatriation by air ambulance
Denby will require repatriation by air ambulance and must travel on a stretcher accompanied by medical support throughout the journey. The family described the expense of this as "overwhelming" and stated "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."
"Getting her home safely is our greatest priority. No one ever expects something like this to happen to someone they love, and the emotional and financial strain has been overwhelming."
