The community in a Co Antrim town are rallying around the family of a woman who remains in hospital after a serious crash earlier this week.
An online fundraiser has been launched by Mosside Pressbyterian Church in Ballymoney, who also held a vigil for local mum Shelly Feeney on Tuesday night. Ms Feeney remains in a critical condition in hospital following a single-vehicle crash on Monday morning, April 14.
Emergency services were called to the Knockmore Road area of Ballymoney at around 10.29am. The mum, aged in her 30s, was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast by the charity Air Ambulance.
Read more: Church invite people to pray for woman in critical condition after 'incident'
Read more: PSNI issue direct appeal to drivers ahead of Easter break
Minister Andre Alves-Areias from Mosside Presbyterian Church has launched a fundraiser in aid of Shelly's family, to help cover travel expenses to and from hospital, parking costs, potential loss of income, and any unforeseen costs.
The Minister said: "Our dear friend, Shelly, has been involved in a very serious accident and sustained severe injuries. She is currently in ICU bravely fighting for her life. This is an incredibly difficult and worrying time for everyone who knows and loves Shelly, especially for Stephen.
"At this critical time Stephen needs to be with her as much as he can. However, being constantly present at the hospital often involves significant unexpected costs – things like travel back and forth, parking, meals, and time off work. The last thing Stephen should have to worry about right now is the financial strain of being there for Shelly.
"Any amount you can contribute will make a real difference and will be deeply appreciated. It will allow Stephen to remain steadfastly by Shelly's side without the added stress of financial worries.
"Let's rally around Shelly and Stephen during this difficult time. Please keep praying for Shelly and let's support Stephen as he supports her and tries to look out for Sophie and Jake too. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity."
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police received and responded to a report of a one-vehicle road traffic collision in the Knockmore Road area of Stranocum, Ballymoney, shortly after 10.30 am on Monday 14th April. Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene.
"One woman aged in her 30s has been taken to hospital where she remains in a critical condition at this time A child also sustained minor injuries as a result of the incident."
On Tuesday evening, Mosside Presbyterian Church opened its doors for the community to join together in a prayer service for Shelly. Posting on Facebook, they said: "As many of you know, there was a tragic accident yesterday [Monday] in Mosside where Shelly Feeney was seriously injured. She is in critical condition at the minute, and she needs our prayers.
"So we are inviting as many people as we can fit into the church hall to come tonight between 6:30 and 7:30 pm to pray for Shelly and the family. You can drop in and drop out throughout the hour and you don't have to pray out loud, but your presence and your prayers would be appreciated. If you are free between 6:30 and 7:30, please do join us."
North Antrim MP Jim Allister said many in the community are paying for the family at this "dire time." He said: "Following a tragic accident in Mosside, North Antrim, there is much anxiety and worry for the young mother involved and her wider family.
"Many are thinking and praying for this family at this dire time. As the community unites in prayer may the God of all mercy meet their needs."
You can donate to the fundraiser for Shelly Feeney by clicking here.
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