A Lochaber teenager has told of the shock after mystery headaches and seizures left his mum in intensive care, struck down by a brain aneurysm.
Leanne Black, 45, started suffering from headaches and seizures “out of the blue” late last year, and was sent to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness for tests.
But a few days later, she collapsed at her home in Fort William’s Plantation and, after a 999 call from her worried daughter Clara, 21, she was rushed to the town’s Belford Hospital by ambulance.
The same night, in the run-up to Christmas, she was airlifted to hospital in Edinburgh where she underwent an operation for an aneurysm.
Doctors told the family that Ms Black had suffered a serious stroke as a result of the aneurysm.
After more than a week in intensive care, she is now very slowly on the mend with Clara and son Taylor, 19, visiting her as often as they can.
Mr Black, who lives in the town’s Upper Achintore area and works as a barista, started a Go Fund Me page for his mum to help when she comes out of hospital – and also to help with the costs of himself and Clara travelling up and down on trains to be at her bedside.
The appeal has been trending on the fundraising website and people have rallied round to raise over £300 for the family.
Last night, Mr Black thanked those who have supported the family and the medical staff at Belford Hospital and in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
He said: “We didn’t expect to reach our original target of £100 and to see the number keep on growing is absolutely insane to us. It really gives us a huge sense of community and love to us in this hard time, and I know my mum will be blown away with all the help she has received.
“My mum has now been transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow where she is being monitored and taken care of by the amazing nurses.
“My mum always made sure my sister and I never missed out and always treated us, even though money has always been tight.
“To see her go through this huge struggle has been extremely heartbreaking, but raising this money helps us give back to Mum at this really hard time. Some of the funds will also go to travel expenses for me and my sister to go down to Glasgow to visit mum as trains are proving to be really expensive.
“We thank everyone so much for their help – we are truly blown away by their kindness.”
To help the family, visit www.gofundme.com and search for Leanne Black.