A family from the Midlands has launched a desperate £40,000 fundraising appeal to bring a mother and her daughter home after they were struck by a car on the first day of their holiday in Montenegro.
Helen Barratt and her 19-year-old daughter Nell, from Worcester, were hit by a vehicle while walking on a footpath in Budva on April 13. The collision occurred within hours of their arrival, leaving both with severe injuries, including fractures and serious head wounds.
Nell's sister, Ella, described the incident on Facebook, saying the pair suffered potentially life-changing injuries. They were rushed to a local hospital after the driver allegedly mounted the kerb. It later emerged that their global health insurance had expired and did not cover medical repatriation.
Ella wrote: 'Within three hours of arriving in the country, they were struck by a vehicle while walking on the footpath. Both are now hospitalised with severe, documented, life-changing injuries - and I am watching them suffer while fighting for basic care every single day.'
Neither can be moved safely without proper medical repatriation, which costs £40,000 - a sum the family cannot afford. A GoFundMe page was launched by Nina Tribe to 'get Helen and Nell home'. So far, nearly £10,000 has been raised.
'That means the absolute world to us,' Ella added. 'But we still have so far to go.'
The appeal states: 'On April 13th, they decided to take a walk which has changed their lives completely. A car came from nowhere, knocking them over, unconscious and in a bad way. They got rushed to hospital, which is where they still are now, and will be for some time.'
Nell has fractures to her spine, pelvis, and collarbone and is unable to leave her bed. Helen has only recently been able to speak due to head and facial injuries. Both are awaiting further scans.
A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said: 'We're supporting the family of two British nationals who are hospitalised in Montenegro and are in contact with the local authorities.'
The family is urging donations and shares to help bring Helen and Nell home.
