The family of a Wokingham couple have expressed their sincere thanks after a fundraising campaign to raise £50,000 for urgent medical treatment was smashed in just a few days.
Jodie, Hannah and Sam Mitchell launched a fundraising campaign after their parents, Grace and Duncan, were involved in a serious road traffic accident whilst travelling in southern Thailand.
Writing as part of the fundraising campaigns earlier this week, Jodie said: “Mum has suffered potentially life changing injuries.
“She has fractured her spine, punctured both lungs, broken multiple ribs and suffered internal bleeding.
“She’s currently paralysed from her chest down, and is in need of immediate spinal surgery.”
The fundraising campaign was launched to fund that surgery and transportation home.
“Insurance doesn’t cover all of it,” she added.
“The hospital she was admitted to has been able to stabilise her oxygen levels and has had several successful blood transfusions.
“Unfortunately, the current hospital has done all it can at this stage to help.
“It is paramount now that mum receives decompression spinal surgery so we can assess the damage in full.
“She has to be moved to a major hospital to have surgery, in the hope that the damage isn’t permanent.
“The sooner we’re able to decompress the spine, the greater her chances of recovery.”
The appeal sought to raise £50,000, and by 9am on Wednesday morning had reached almost £59,000 through donations from more than 1,200 people.
Readers contacted Wokingham Today to offer their support and prayers for the family.
One reader noted how Grace was a friendly and effervescent person when working at Wescott School.
Another from Wokingham & Emmbrook Football Club also offered support to the family. The parents had supported their children who had all played for the club as youngsters.
Wokingham Today was also able to direct the family to a compensation scheme provided by the Royal Thai Government that may cover incidents such as this.
Jodie added: “From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support during this challenging time.”
