Stephanie Inglis supporters raise £4000 for medical bills

FAMILY and friends of the judo star who was nearly killed in a road accident in Vietnam have raised almost £4000 to help pay for her medical bills.

Helen and Denis Quinn, Pauline Quinn, Denise Watt and Yvonne Lindsay prepare for the fundraiser for Stephanie. Picture: Gordon Fraser

Commonwealth Games silver medallist Stephanie Inglis suffered head injuries in a motorbike accident on May 10.

After being woken from an induced coma last week, she was flown home on Monday after showing signs of recovery and is now being treated at the Western General.

Stephanie’s parents, Alison and Robert, lived in the Waverley area of Bonnyrigg for many years before moving to Inverness – and now those who knew them are doing what they can to raise money.

Commonwealth Games silver medallist Stephanie Inglis. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

Stephanie’s cousin, Denise Watt, 40, still lives in Bonnyrigg and has held a series of events for the Steph Fund.

She said: “I had a cake sale at Standard Life which raised £500. My dad did a book sale, making £130, and our night at the Rose club last Friday pulled in £2030.

“At Poltonhall Gala Day we raised £556 with a tombola, ‘guess how many sweets are in the jar’, and ‘guess the teddy’s name’. Collection buckets at The Chase pub, The Anvil and The Calderwood raised £262.

“Together we have raised £3830 so far. It just shows you the amount of support for the family here in Bonnyrigg.

Commonwealth Games silver medallist Stephanie Inglis. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

“Obviously the funds are needed. It has now got her back to Scotland.

“But there are still the costs of the medical bills. Every little helps as they say. We just wanted to do what we can.

“She has still got a long way to go, but she is on UK ground now so it’s a big step forward.

“I will just be glad to get my auntie Alison and uncle Robert back as well.”

Stephanie, 27, had been in Vietnam for four months teaching English to children when the accident happened.

It is understood that a long skirt she was wearing, and which she had tied up for the bike journey, became unravelled and caught in the wheel of the motorbike.

More than 7000 people have contributed to the overall Steph Fund, raising more than £300,000.

Another Bonnyrigg resident, family friend Yvonne Lindsay, 53, manager of the Waverley Hotel, has organised a sponsored walk from the hotel on Sunday, June 26, meeting at 10.30am.

She said: “Even though she is back in Scotland now, it’s important that the money keeps coming in. The treatment was costing £2000 a day.”

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