‘bringromhome’ campaign tops £15,000

A former Kirkwall Grammar School pupil who was seriously injured in Italy last month is hoped to be flown back to Scotland in the next seven to 10 days, if her condition continues to improve.

Friends and family of 33-year-old Rommily Gill have expressed gratitude for the support shown towards a campaign to raise funds for her medical transfer back to the UK.

The appeal, based at www.bringromhom.com has topped £15,000 since it went live last weekend.

Miss Gill fell 30ft, from a walkway on to a concrete esplanade in Pisa on May 18, during a weekend away with her boyfriend. She has been in a coma in hospital, fighting for her life ever since. Friends and family rallied to raise the potential £20,000 cost of her transfer to Scotland, after learning that her insurance would not cover this part of her care.

Speaking this afternoon, Miss Gill’s close friend, Amelia Swanney said: “They are trying her off her ventilator today, so she should be breathing for herself. She still has a bit of a fever and infection, but they are managing that at the moment.

“They have said that if she keeps going the way she’s going, she may be home in a couple of weeks.”

Miss Swanney is one of those behind the “bringromhome” campaign, which was set up by Miss Gill’s sister, Kim. She said: “We can’t believe the turnout from Orkney. A £1,000 donation went through from a person in Orkney — that is incredibly generous.

“All the money raised will be used to bring Rom home. If there is any extra, then it will be donated to charity, although which one hasn’t been decided yet. We all can’t believe the generosity of people — it really is something else,” she added.

To make a donation and keep up with Miss Gill’s progress, log on to www.bringromhome.com.