A British mother and her 19-year-old daughter are stranded in a hospital in Montenegro, facing a £40,000 bill after a car mounted the pavement and struck them. Helen and Nell Barratt suffered life-changing injuries while on holiday in Budva, including a broken collarbone, spinal fractures, and head wounds.
Accident Details
The accident occurred on April 13 when the pair were walking to a local shop. A driver left the road and hit them. Helen Barratt was thrown backwards into a parked car, sustaining head and back injuries. Both were rushed to hospital and are being treated for multiple injuries.
Insurance Issues
Although they originally had travel insurance, it had expired. They possess Global Health Insurance Cards, which cover emergency treatment in Montenegro, but follow-up care costs must be paid out of pocket.
Fundraising for Return
Nell's sister Ella, who lives in neighboring Serbia, said the £40,000 fundraising target reflects the cost of specialist medical transport needed to bring them home, as both are immobile and cannot take commercial flights. The family has contacted the British Embassy and a local lawyer, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help.
Ella expressed gratitude for the support, saying, 'To get them home would mean absolutely everything as they're both scared and so worried.'
Official Response
A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson stated: 'We are supporting the family of two British nationals who are hospitalised in Montenegro and are in contact with the local authorities.'
