British Mother and Daughter Hospitalized in Montenegro

Helen and Nell Barratt, a British mother and daughter, are receiving medical care in Montenegro after being struck by a car while on holiday in Budva on April 13th. Both women sustained life-changing injuries in the incident.

Details of the Hit-and-Run

The Barratts were walking to a local shop when a vehicle unexpectedly left the road and collided with them. Helen Barratt was thrown backwards, initially hitting the striking vehicle and then a parked car, resulting in significant head and back trauma. Her daughter, Nell Barratt, 19, suffered a broken collarbone, fractures to her vertebrae, and a large open wound on her back.

Injuries Sustained

  • Helen Barratt: Fractured pubic bone, split lip with infection, and ten head injuries requiring stitches.
  • Nell Barratt: Broken collarbone, vertebral fractures, and a large open wound on her back.

    • Ella Barratt, Nell’s sister, has expressed concerns about the adequacy of medical assessments, questioning if her mother has received a CT scan to rule out brain injuries.

    Financial Hardship and GoFundMe Campaign

    The family is facing a substantial medical bill estimated at £40,000. Their travel insurance had expired, leaving them without coverage for the extensive medical care and repatriation costs. While they have Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs), these only cover emergency treatment.

    A GoFundMe campaign was launched by a friend to help cover the costs of a medical flight home, as both Helen and Nell are currently immobile. As of today, the campaign has raised a significant amount, exceeding $8,105 towards the £8,780 goal.

    Family's Plea for Assistance

    Ella Barratt, who lives in Serbia, is working to secure her mother and sister’s release and return, navigating the Montenegrin healthcare and legal systems. She has contacted the British Embassy and engaged a local lawyer. She described the accident as having ‘changed their lives completely’ and expressed her anguish at witnessing her mother and sister’s suffering.

    Government Assistance

    A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed they are providing assistance to the family and maintaining contact with local authorities. This incident highlights the importance of valid travel insurance and the potential challenges travelers face abroad.