A Scottish woman celebrating her 30th birthday in Greece has been left hospitalised with serious injuries and a medical bill of £10,000 after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Rhodes.
Denby McLaren had travelled to the Greek island with her mother for what was intended to be a special birthday holiday.
However, the trip took a devastating turn when she suffered a traumatic fall that left her with a broken vertebra, multiple fractures in her foot and other injuries.
Her family, based in Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, are now trying to arrange her return to Scotland, with her partner, Craig Anderson, launching an online fundraiser to cover her medical expenses and the cost of bringing her home.
Family Launch Fundraiser to Bring Denby Home
Mr Anderson established a GoFundMe campaign appealing for financial support to help pay for Ms McLaren’s treatment and arrange her medical repatriation from Greece.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding the fundraiser, he said the family had never imagined finding themselves in such a situation while marking what should have been a happy milestone in Ms McLaren’s life.
He wrote: “No family should ever have to experience something like this, and never in a million years did we imagine we would find ourselves in this position.
“Denby was on holiday in Greece with her mum, celebrating what should have been a very special milestone — her 30th birthday.
“What should have been a happy time filled with memories has turned into every family’s worst nightmare.”
Serious Injuries Leave Scottish Woman in Greek Hospital
Ms McLaren has spent four days receiving hospital treatment in Greece following the fall from her hotel’s third-floor balcony.
According to Mr Anderson, her injuries include a fractured vertebra, several broken bones in her foot and additional injuries sustained in the incident.
He described the family’s emotional state as they deal with the uncertainty surrounding her condition while she remains away from home and her loved ones.
“It is impossible to put into words the fear, heartbreak and uncertainty that Denby and our family are experiencing right now,” he said.
“In a matter of moments, everything changed, and we are now facing a situation none of us could ever have prepared for.
“Our biggest wish is simple: we just want to bring Denby home.”
Air Ambulance Required for Return to Scotland
Mr Anderson explained that Ms McLaren cannot simply board a regular flight because of the nature of her injuries.
Instead, she requires specialist medical repatriation by air ambulance, with the journey to be completed on a stretcher and with medical assistance throughout the flight.
The cost of her hospital care and the arrangements needed to transport her back to Scotland have contributed to the family’s fundraising appeal.
Mr Anderson said the emotional and financial pressures had been overwhelming, adding: “No one ever expects something like this to happen to someone they love, and the emotional and financial strain has been overwhelming.”
Donations Surpass £11,000 as Partner Thanks Supporters
The fundraising campaign has attracted more than £11,000 in donations at the time of writing, with supporters contributing towards Ms McLaren’s medical expenses and repatriation.
In a social media update posted on Monday, Mr Anderson expressed gratitude to those who had donated and shared the appeal.
He wrote: “Absolutely blown away with the response of this we are truely grateful for everyone and their share/donations!
“We can’t wait to get Denby home. We are one step closer every day so let’s keep sharing people!
“Every little counts and this shows (there) are still good people in this world which is what we need.”
The fundraiser was established to help cover the outstanding medical costs and the specialist transport required to bring Ms McLaren back to her family in Larkhall.
