Friends fund for Fiona hits £2000

FRIENDS of a Forres woman who had to be airlifted to hospital in Glasgow in June have launched a fund to help her adapt when she gets back home in a few months time.

Fiona Fraser (44) who lives at Blaven Court with husband Stewart, a council worker, broke her back and neck after jumping into a paddling pool in a friend’s garden at what was supposed to be a fun end of term barbecue on June 24.

Fiona who works at Moray College and has two grown up children - Stewart and Samantha, was just celebrating her last day at work before the summer break, when the accident happened. She was rushed to hospital in Elgin, and then airlifted to the spinal unit of Glasgow University hospital, where she has been ever since.

Speaking to the Gazette after the incident, husband Stewart said that it would be a long road to recovery, but that Fiona was remaining positive and has been undergoing gentle physiotherapy.

Now determined to support her through the months ahead, Fiona’s friends have launched a GoFundMe page to try and raise cash for her, with hopes high that she will be out of hospital before Christmas.

The GoFundMe Fiona’s Fund page which has already raised more than £700 states: “She is currently doing great in the Glasgow spinal injuries ward, getting the best treatment possible and although she will hopefully come out in December, she faces many challanges ahead.”

“Fiona has been so touched by all of the kind messages from everyone wishing her a full and speedy recovery. She is also very grateful for all the visitors she has had.”

“She is a very special lady who is loved by many, so this page has been set up so that those of you who want or wanted to send flowers or gifts can perhaps offer a small donation instead.”

The fundraisers say that any donations will go toward helping Fiona once she is out of hospital - ensuring her house is wheelchair friendly and accessible.

Meanwhile, Fiona posted a thanks message to everyone who has supported, visited her and sent her cards and best wishes.

“I would like to thank everyone for their kind words on Facebook, cards, gifts and for the visits,” she said. “It has been very supportive and I really appreciate it all. I have managed to message a few people back but when I get home in a few months I will take the time to personally reply to all your cards and messages, it’s difficult at the moment as I get tired easily with the rehab also I have a halo which is a metal frame screwed into my head to keep my neck straight for 12 weeks which is restricting.”

Speaking about the fundraising page, Fiona said it bought tears to her eyes when she found out about it.

“I am working hard but it’ll all depend on the damage to my spinal cord which at the moment it’s still healing,” she said, “things are coming back slowly but don’t know how much it’ll come back, time is a healer!”

Visit https://www.gofundme.com/2hypt3yk.