Stockton woman Olivia Fairclough finally home after Egypt ordeal
The 31-year-old is back in Teesside after ÂŁ30,000 was raised to bring her home from an Egyptian hospital.
Stockton woman Olivia Fairclough, who's been stranded in an Egyptian hospital, arrived back in Teesside last night.
The 31-year-old arrived at Durham Tees Valley Airport at around 8:30pm last night and was taken to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough.
Olivia had been out horse riding in Cairo two weeks ago, when the horse bolted and crushed her.
She was paralysed by her injuries, but her travel insurance had expired, leaving her stranded in hospital needing urgent care.
Her brother Trevor Fairclough started a fundraising page to raise the funds needed to pay for her treatment and bring her home to Teesside.
Over ÂŁ30,000 was raised by friends family and strangers and Trevor was able to travel to Cairo to bring his sister home.
Andy Mawson, aircrew paramedic at GNAAS, approached Capital Air Ambulance, which provides worldwide air ambulance services from its Exeter base.
The firm will flew its new specially equipped Learjet 45 to Cairo to pick up Olivia, before returning her to Durham Tees Valley Airport.
Mr Mawson said:
"Like everyone else, we just wanted to get Olivia home. We have all pulled together to make this happen. Our priority is to get this over the line to ensure Olivia gets the care she needs, surrounded by those she loves."
Olivia's brother Trevor Fairclough said:
"The way we were brought up, it's almost embarrassing to ask for help. But we felt so alone, we had no choice. The response has restored our faith in humanity. To say 'thank you' is not enough."
Mr Fairclough wished to thank everyone who had donated to the cause and to all those who had offered their support.