A mother and daughter from Worcester, England, have been hospitalised with serious injuries following a car accident while on holiday in Montenegro. The incident occurred on April 13, just a mere three hours after Helen and Nell Barratt arrived in the region to visit Helen’s older daughter, Ella.
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According to reports, the two women were struck by a vehicle while walking home from a shop in the coastal town of Budva. Eyewitnesses described the car as having mounted the pavement as if to park, but it continued forward, knocking both Helen, 53, and Nell, 19, to the ground. The alarming scenario left them unconscious and in dire need of medical assistance.
Ella, who remains in Montenegro with her sister’s boyfriend, has been vocal about her concerns regarding their injuries. In a statement to local news outlet Worcester News, she described the severity of their conditions, stating, “My mum and sister have severe, documented life-changing injuries and I am watching them suffer while having to fight for their basic care.” The rapid onset of their holiday disaster has amplified the family’s distress.
Medical reports indicate that Nell suffered a broken collarbone, fractures to her vertebrae, and has a sizable open wound on her back. Helen has endured a fractured pubic bone, a split lip that is showing early signs of infection, and has sustained ten head injuries that required stitching. Images from the family’s GoFundMe page reveal the extent of their injuries, with Helen appearing visibly marked from her ordeal.
Ella detailed the chaotic circumstances surrounding the accident and the insufficient information regarding their treatment. “We’ve struggled to get answers about their injuries; we don’t even know if my mum has had a CT scan for potential brain injuries,” she lamented. The family has been grappling with the complexities of navigating the Montenegrin healthcare and legal systems, adding to their anguish, as they are unprepared for such a traumatic event during what was intended to be a joyful visit.
The Barratts’ global health insurance does not cover medical repatriation, and, unbeknownst to them, their travel insurance had expired prior to the trip. As a result, Ella has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for their medical expenses and urgent repatriation. So far, the campaign has garnered over $8,100, contributing towards their push for safe and immediate return to the UK.
In a recent update on the fundraising page, Ella emphasised the family’s desperate need for assistance, highlighting how the contributions would cover ongoing medical costs, accommodations, and food, along with helping secure legal representation. “Every penny goes directly to getting Helen and Nell home safely and cared for properly,” she mentioned, underscoring the urgency of their situation.
The British government is reportedly assisting the family by liaising with local authorities in Montenegro. A spokesperson from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed their support for the Barratt family. The distressing situation demonstrates the challenges faced by travellers when injuries occur abroad, leaving loved ones to manage complex medical and legal problems in foreign jurisdictions.
As the family continues to navigate this harrowing ordeal, the call for support resonates with many who have shared the GoFundMe page to aid in their recovery and return to England. The journey ahead remains uncertain, but the communal effort reflects a spirit of solidarity in times of crisis. The ultimate hope is for Helen and Nell to make a full recovery and return to their home in Worcester, where they can begin to heal both physically and emotionally from their traumatic experience.