Tipperary business owner suffers serious spinal injuries in Thailand boat accident
A GoFundMe was launched to support the Clogheen business owner in her recovery
A popular beauty salon owner from Clogheen is facing a lengthy recovery after suffering serious spinal injuries in a boat accident in Thailand just one day before she was due to return home to Ireland.
Abbie, who runs Abigail's Beauty Studio in Clogheen, south Tipperary, broke four vertebrae in her spine in a boating incident and was forced to undergo emergency spinal fixation and spinal fusion surgery.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched in recent days to help support Abbie and her boyfriend, Andrew as they navigate the unexpected medical and financial challenges of her recovery so far away from home.
The fundraiser has already received an incredible response, raising €16,262 from 636 donations so far.
According to the fundraiser, Abbie and Andrew had been preparing to return home when the serious incident occurred during a boat trip in Thailand.
While the emergency surgery has now been completed, Abbie remains under medical care in Phuket, Thailand, with a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation process ahead of her before she can eventually make the journey home.
Andrew has remained by her side throughout the ordeal, supporting her through surgery and the difficult days that have followed.
Taking to Instagram, Abbie apologised to her clients and announced that Abigail's Beauty Studio would remain closed until further notice as she focuses on her recovery.
She explained that there is currently no confirmed timeline for her return home, saying: "At the moment nobody can give me a timeline on when I will be able to return home."
The news has prompted an outpouring of support from friends, clients and the wider community, with many taking to social media to send Abbie their love and wishes for a speedy recovery.
The fundraiser organiser said, "Any donations, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated and would mean so much, and it would help make this situation a little easier for Abbie and Andrew."
They added, "We are sending Abbie all our love and best wishes on this recovery journey."
To view or donate to the GoFundMe, click here.