Appeal launched to support family of Castlebar woman shot in Australia

AN appeal has been launched by the friends of Castlebar woman Eileen Gibbons - a social care worker, who is currently receiving hospital treatment for gunshot wounds - to help her family to be with her.

Ms Gibbons is said to be in a critical but stable condition in hospital in Darwin after she was shot by a man who is understood to have been known to her on Wednesday evening. Her assailant died at the scene of self-inflicted gunshot wounds. 

Her family are currently on their way to Australia to be with her, and it is hoped that the proceeds of the GoFundMe will support them with their travel and accommodation costs. 

Over €33,000 had been raised by the GoFundMe appeal within 24 hours of its launch. 

A statement on the GoFundMe page read: "Eileen, a compassionate caregiver known for her dedication to her patients, now needs our help to overcome the challenges she faces. In addition to the physical and emotional toll on Eileen, her mother Ann, and other family members, are desperate to be by her side as she embarks on her path to recovery. The costs of travel, accommodation, and unforeseen expenses have placed an immense financial strain on them, leaving them unable to provide the support that Eileen desperately needs.

"This go fund me page aims to raise funds to reunite Eileen with her family members so they can offer her love, care and support through this difficult time. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on Eileen's recovery and enable her family to be by her side during this challenging period and eventually bring her back home to Ireland. Together, we can make a difference."

You can donate to the GoFundMe appeal via this link: https://gofund.me/b4fd462c