Please help me on my road to recovery!

Aim

Raising funds to cover basic costs after an accident on the island of Comino (just off Malta), in which I broke both ankles simultaneously.

Walking down a steep and rubbly path on the island of Comino, I caught my left foot on the side of a rocky step and snapped it. I put down my right foot immediately to balance myself and the same thing happened. My right foot caught on the opposite edge of the rock and cracked. Both my ankles were broken. I was in hospital for a week after having major surgery on the right ankle on April 2nd. I was discharged from the hospital on April 6th but had to stay in Malta for another week until I was deemed fit to fly. 

During that time, costs mounted: initial hospital fees, medical supplies, a hotel and the cost of a friend flying out to look after me. The friend - an absolute hero - kindly lent me money to cover the bulk of the expenditure. His costs included airport parking, petrol, a flight out and Maltese car hire: prices were high as, by then, it was the Easter holidays. 

I had no insurance as I was a guest on a press trip and erroneously believed I was covered by the organisers. I always take out holiday insurance but didn’t think I had to on a press trip. I live and learn. 

I got home at 5:30am on April 14th. By then, costs were £3,900. This doesn’t include full hospital costs or paying the friend (who not only cared for me for a week in Malta and helped me get me home but also lent me money to cover immediate expenses) for his time. 

Hospital costs will hopefully be covered as there is a reciprocal agreement between Malta and the U.K. but that’s not been confirmed yet. I’m dreading getting a huge bill from them and hoping that won’t happen. I was told it’s €300 per day plus the costs of the surgery and medications. 

I didn’t want to do a crowdfunder but I need to pay back my friend as soon as possible and it’s the only way I could raise the money reasonably quickly.

Social media trolls have been vicious, some even suggesting I’m faking my injuries. Many ask why I don’t have any money. Being a successful journalist doesn’t always mean being a wealthy one. I did a lot of work for free over the last few years to get important information into the public domain and that set me back financially. Caring for my dad before he died meant I couldn’t work as much as I wanted to. Being bereaved and trying to find out what happened to him didn’t help. I’m also mum to four, grandmother to one. I don’t get benefits and have always supported myself and my family however I can.

I’m home now but, as I live alone, I’m still struggling. I didn’t expect the accident to affect me mentally but it has and this has made it hard to get back to work.

This is a low point in my life. We all suffer them. If you can help me by donating, it’d be much appreciated. I’d do the same for you. Thank you! 

This project successfully funded on 8th May 2023