Hundreds of pounds have been raised to help a Dundee woman facing a “living nightmare” as she remains seriously ill in a Turkish hospital.
Lynn Anderson has been left unable to walk and with poor eyesight after collapsing while on a break with partner Gary Menzies.
The 60-year-old’s condition deteriorated so much that she spent four days on life support.
Gary says that in addition to contracting meningitis, it is thought Lynn suffered a heart attack.
‘Lynn was put on life support’
The couple face uncertainty over when they will be able to return home.
Since Lynn’s story emerged last week, friends and family back in Dundee have raised about £1,400 to support the pair.
Gary told The Courier: “They only discovered four days ago that Lynn had a heart attack.
“Lynn’s condition continued to cause concern and she was put on life support.
“She remained on that for four days and is still heavily sedated.
“At one point they had to tie Lynn’s hands to the bed to stop her trying to pull all her tubes out.
“This is a living nightmare. Lynn went blind at one point and her vision is still very, very poor.
“She is also unable to walk. I still have no idea what is actually going to happen.
‘Lynn is nowhere near well enough to fly home’
“The hospital have told me Lynn is nowhere near well enough to fly home.
“Only once they say she can travel can we get her back via air ambulance, organised through our insurance company.”
Paul Murphy and Richard Peter-Tennent – who are friends of the couple and run the mental health group Walk and Talk Scotland – have organised fundraising to support them.
Richard said: “Paul and I have been supporting Gary through all the trials and tribulations.
“Not only have the patrons of the Balgay Bar – which Paul runs – raised £1,000, we also set up a fundraiser by Walk And Talk Scotland and have transferred funds to Gary in his hour of need.
“So far we have raised about £1,400. Walk and Talk Scotland will continue to support them both when they eventually come back home to Scotland.
“Gary is so appreciative of people that care enough to try to help, support and assist him and Lynn.”