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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Aaliyah Rugg & Wesley Holmes

TUI responds after mum 'thrown off' cliff in horrific holiday accident

TUI confirmed a "full investigation" was launched after a horrific accident saw a mum "throw off" a cliff and "stranded" in a Turkish hospital for three weeks.

The ECHO previously reported how Rebekka Kelly flew to Antalya with her eldest son Sonny on August 26 and booked an excursion via a TUI rep for a buggy safari tour. However, on September 2, problems with the buggy's steering led to a serious accident in which the vehicle "flew off a cliff".

Rebekka, who said her seatbelt also failed, was "thrown out of the buggy" and lost consciousness. After the accident, the Birkenhead mum was rushed to hospital for two major operations having broken seven vertebra in her spine and her pelvis as well as an internal bleed, but two weeks on remains in hospital.

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She remains in hospital with family flying out to visit her. But adding to the traumatic time, Rebekka fears the insurance does not cover her and she faces hospital bills of over £50,000.

A fundraiser was set up by her sister-in-law, Stephanie Houlihan, which brought in more than £7,500 in just 24 hours, with two anonymous good Samaritans donating £500 each. The fundraiser has now reached over £8,000 as the family continue their fight to get the 30-year-old back home to the UK.

TUI has since confirmed that Rebekka Kelly's holiday will be refunded as well as a "contribution which she can put towards her medical costs." A spokesperson for TUI, who said they have been in "regular contact" with family, told the ECHO: "We’re really sorry to hear about Ms Kelly’s experience following her unfortunate accident in Turkey.

"Our resort team provided immediate support to Ms Kelly after the accident and our reps have been visiting her daily in hospital. We can confirm that following the accident, a full investigation of this excursion was conducted, and no faults were found with the equipment.

"We always encourage customers to check that they have adequate valid travel insurance to cover them for their entire holiday. Our teams will continue to support Ms Kelly as much as possible and we’ll be providing her with a contribution which can go towards her medical costs."

Anyone wishing to donate to the fundraiser can do so here. It reads: "As a family we are asking for your help to get Rebekka home to us and her two young children. We know times are very difficult for everyone right now and we would be hugely grateful for any donations made."

Anthony McKeever, of Havard Law Solicitors has been appointed on behalf of the family to launch an investigation. He confirmed to the ECHO he was "privileged to be instructed by the Kelly family" and following her "very serious injuries". He added he will be "corresponding with TUI's legal department very shortly" to set out the terms but "more importantly set out what is required for her safe return home. Ms Kelly has been "estranged from her young son for three weeks."

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