critical injuries GoFundMe for woman in ICU following horrific Mayo crash raises €6K

The “devastated” family of a woman who suffered “critical brain and spinal injuries” in a Mayo crash last month have set up a fundraiser to help her on her journey to recovery.

Michelle Donnellan (53), from Killererin, Co. Galway, was involved in a crash between a car and an HGV truck on the N5 between Charlestown and Swinford in the early hours of Wednesday 9th February.

Her father Michael tragically died from the injuries he sustained in the crash, while her mother Kathleen is now recovering at home.

Michelle, who was a passenger in the car, sustained critical brain and spinal injuries, as well as other serious injuries and is the intensive care unit at Castlebar Hospital.

Earlier this week, Michelle’s family set up a GoFundMe page to assist with her “medical recovery and care needs” and they are aware that this is only the beginning of her recovery journey.

165 people have donated a total of €6,834 to the cause since the fundraiser was set up less than 24 hours ago.

Writing on the GoFundMe page, Michelle’s family thanked those who donated for their “compassionate support” during this difficult time.

“We are a close family and we want to do everything in our power to help Michelle endure this hard journey to recovery,” they said.

“We need to prepare for the day of Michelle's discharge from hospital, whenever that day is.

“As her siblings, Sean, Aoife, Padraic, Fiona and Michael we are totally committed to helping our sister’s medical recovery and care needs. But we cannot do it on our own. We are seeking your compassionate support, for financial help from the goodness of the hearts of the GoFundMe community.

“All funds raised from your donations will be used solely and totally for the benefit of Michelle and her recovery.

“We, as a family, would like to thank everyone for their continued support throughout this difficult time.”

Those who wish to donate to the fundraiser can do so here.