Fund raiser will help mum of four left paralysed

A fund raiser will be held in Coleraine Rugby Club later in July to raise funds for a local mum who has been left paralysed after a car accident.

Mother of four, Ashley Craig, was just five minutes from her Ballymoney home, after dropping her children off at school on February 18 this year, when she hit black ice and her car spun out of control before crashing.

She was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital where she spent weeks in intensive care.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After a number of operations, Ashley was moved to Musgrave Hospital, where she remains at present undergoing intensive physiotherapy.

The well known local woman suffered a broken neck in the crash, and her family have said she will never walk again.

Speaking to The Times this week, her cousin Shauna Kneeland explained that Ashley is paralysed from the neck down.

“She can move her arms, the doctors don’t know why this is the only part of her not paralysed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Despite all this she is trying to stay in good spirits,” said Shauna.

“It has been a very difficult time for her and her four boys,” told Shauna.

Shauna and her friend Naomi have organised a fund raiser in a bid to make Ashley’s eventual return home more comfortable.

“She needs so much to return home.

“It’s really going to be hard for her and her four boys - Jordan, Taylor, Corey and LJ,” said the caring cousin.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Shauna explained that Ashley has been placed on the priority housing list for a bungalow - “ we just don’t know how long this will take,” she said.

“Ashley will never walk again, she will be wheelchair bound for the rest of her life, and will need round the clock care as soon as she is fit enough to leave hospital, which won’t be at any stage soon,” said Shauna.

“Our family is praying and wishing for her fast recovery.”

“Visiting is very strict which means her boys are losing special time with their mum, they are missing her very much.

“All money raised from the night will help towards a wheelchair and renovations at Ashley’s home to make it comfortable for her.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Shauna has started a GoFundMe page to help Ashley and has also organised a fund raising night on Friday July 22 in Coleraine Rugby Club.

Shauna added: “This means so much to me - this is the only way I can help and I will try my best. I just want to thank everyone who has donated so far. People have been so generous, I have even had taxi drivers stopping and giving me donations.

“I am so thankful to each and everyone who has helped, it means so much to me and my family.”