Devoted sister appeals for funds for Bantry’s Chloe

THE sister of a teenage girl who was airlifted to hospital after sustaining a serious brain injury has launched a campaign to raise funds for her rehabilitation.

Chloe Keane, a 16-year-old from Bantry, was found unconscious near the stables where she frequently rides two weeks ago. Her sister Jorden, said: “I’ll never forget how tough that journey to Cork University Hospital was. A pressure monitor was applied to assess the damage. We were told that the next 24 hours would be critical.”

“Chloe is a triplet. Our brothers David and Steven are like her bodyguards, but this week they will be returning to school without her. It’s been a really tough time.”

“At the start, Chloe was completely paralysed on her left side, but now she is starting to regain some movement. She is talking but not walking as of yet.

“She has a chair that supports her neck. However, she can only stay in it for around five minutes at a time as she becomes so fatigued.

“Her short-term memory has been affected, but the fact that she is even recognising us is something we are really thankful for. She’s also finally eating on her own.”

“After that, she will likely begin rehabilitation in Dun Laoghaire. We’re just taking it day by day.”

Jorden expressed her gratitude to the community “People have been amazing and they have already raised €22,000 for Chloe.”

She urged others to support the cause adding:

“These donations are so important for Chloe’s recovery-even just to help her get out of the bed in the morning again.”

Jorden hopes that the charity Brú Columbanus may be able to benefit from surplus funding.

“If there is any money left over we would love to donate it to Brú Columbanus who provide accommodation for the families of those in hospital.”

A number of fundraisers will be held over the next couple of months to contribute towards Chloe’s rehabilitation costs.

To donate to Chloe’s rehabilitation fund visit http://www.gofundme.com/help-chloe-keane