HAMILTON woman, Donna Perkins has put the call out to anyone who can assist in any way, either monetarily or with building skills to help her friend, Rhea Kelly come home from hospital.

Ms Kelly, who is a widow, has been sick with the flu, she then contracted pneumonia and was placed in an induced coma after being airlifted to Geelong hospital.

She presently remains in the Hamilton Base Hospital undertaking rehabilitation because she has lost the feeling down the left-hand side of her body, has permanent nerve damage in her feet and now requires a wheelchair.

She has two teenage children at home and needs alterations done to her house, specifically construction of a ramp for her wheelchair.

Ms Kelly doesn’t qualify for NDIS support, so a mycause web page has been set up to help raise much needed funds to help her return home and has been posted to Hamilton Victoria’s Community Group Facebook page.

“We all know the amazing, hardworking, caring Rhea,” it said.

“She is in need of our community support.

“Recently, after contracting influenza A, which led to pneumonia, this resulted in being airlifted to Geelong Hospital.

“This virus ravaged her body, resulting in her being placed in an induced coma for five weeks fighting hard for her life.

“Rhea has fought to return back to Hamilton needing support of her family and friends.

“With the outcome of extensive testing over this week, Rhea (recently) received devastating news of permanent nerve damage to her feet and damage to her left-hand side.

“She is working her butt off with physiotherapy daily and now can do a short distance with a walking frame but mostly relying on a wheelchair to get around.

“She desperately would like to return home but will need so much work done to her home, equipment, and support.

“Her first aim is to get the front ramp done so she can spend a few hours daily at home, then the bathroom.

“At 46 years of age, there is no funding until hopefully down the track (there will be) NDIS.

“Rhea has been left in financial hardship, let alone being able to fund the alterations to her home and will need help long term.

“Please, if you’re able to contribute anything, it’s gratefully appreciated as we all know she would be there for us.”

Ms Perkins hopes to also run a sausage sizzle and a raffle to raise much-needed funds.

Anyone that is able to contribute can get in contact with Donna Perkins on Facebook or through the mycause link at mycause.com.au/Rhea Kelly or by email at dperks65@gmail.com