Urgent Plea: Irish Family Raises €55,000 for Air Ambulance

UPDATE: A heart-wrenching plea has emerged from Spain as Jack Callaghan urgently seeks help to bring his mother, Carol Callaghan, back home to Ireland after she suffered a heart attack while shopping in Alicante on her holiday. The family is racing against time to secure the necessary funds for an air ambulance, which is estimated to cost over €50,000—a sum not covered by their insurance.

Carol, aged 58, collapsed on July 15, 2023, while shopping with friends, leading to a life-threatening cardiac arrest. Paramedics performed CPR and used a defibrillator to revive her. After spending a week in a coma, she is now slowly recovering but requires specialized rehabilitation that can only be provided in Ireland.

Jack Callaghan shared his emotional journey on Cork’s 96FM during the program “The Opinion Line,” expressing the urgency of the situation. “She was out shopping in Alicante when she had a cardiac arrest. We were told she might not make it,” he revealed. The family is determined to bring her home to give her the best chance of recovery, but they face overwhelming costs for the medical transport.

The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign titled “Help Bring Carol Home after a Devastating Accident,” which has already raised €50,000 towards their €55,000 goal. “If it was one of us in that bed, mam would go through stone walls for us. She has the biggest heart; we just need her home,” Jack stated, emphasizing the emotional toll this ordeal has taken on the family.

The local community, including Charleville GAA Club, has rallied around the family, providing vital support during this challenging time. Jack added, “People have been amazing, but we still have a bit to go before we can book the flight.”

The Callaghan family is currently taking turns staying by Carol’s side in Spain, but they are calling on the public to help cover the air ambulance costs. “These companies need payment upfront, and we just don’t have that lying around,” Jack lamented.

In addition to raising funds, Jack urged everyone to learn basic CPR, stressing, “Every minute counts. It could mean the difference between life and death.” He reflected on the circumstances of his mother’s cardiac arrest, noting, “We were lucky she was in a busy place; otherwise, she might not be here.”

As Carol continues her recovery, the family hopes to secure the funds necessary to return her home as soon as possible. Donations can be made on GoFundMe to assist with the air ambulance costs and ensure Carol receives the rehabilitation she desperately needs.

Stay tuned for updates on this urgent situation as the Callaghan family continues to fight for Carol’s safe return to Ireland. Every contribution counts in this critical time.