A Scottish tourist who suffered serious injuries after falling from a balcony on the Greek island of Rhodes faces an uncertain recovery and an expensive journey home, with her family fundraising for a specialist medical flight.
Denby McLaren, from Larkhall in Scotland, was visiting Rhodes with her mother to celebrate her 30th birthday when the accident occurred on October 6.
McLaren, who works as airline cabin crew, has been unable to use her legs following the three-storey fall. She has suffered a fractured vertebra and multiple fractures to her foot, while her family awaits further information about the extent of her injuries.
Family fears possible permanent paralysis
McLaren has remained in hospital in Greece since the accident. Her partner, Craig Anderson, has travelled to the island to be by her side.
Family friend Leeanne Weir told BBC Scotland News that the situation had been devastating for those close to McLaren, with the greatest concern surrounding her inability to move her legs.
The family is waiting to learn whether the injuries have caused permanent damage to her spine.
Weir said McLaren was fortunate to have survived the fall, but stressed the uncertainty surrounding her recovery.
Specialist medical flight costs thousands
McLaren’s family is now seeking to arrange a specialist medical flight to return her to Scotland.
The journey requires an air ambulance equipped to transport her on a stretcher with appropriate medical assistance. However, despite having medical cover, her travel insurance does not cover the cost of the specialist repatriation.
The situation is placing additional financial pressure on her family, with hospital-related expenses and other costs continuing to accumulate while she remains in Greece.
Weir also highlighted the challenges of navigating the situation overseas, including the language barrier and the pressure of arranging the journey home while dealing with the severity of McLaren’s injuries.
Fundraiser approaches £28,000 target
Anderson has established a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for the medical flight and bring McLaren home to Scotland.
According to the BBC report, the fundraiser has raised approximately £19,000 towards its £28,000 target.
Weir said the family had been overwhelmed by the response, with donations of all sizes helping them work towards the goal.
The immediate priority is to get McLaren back to Scotland, where she can continue her recovery closer to her loved ones.
Her long-term prognosis remains uncertain as her family waits for further medical information.
Source: The fundraiser’s progress reflects the figures reported at the time of publication.
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