THE family of a British couple who were critically injured in the deadly Almeria wildfire have launched a fundraiser to help cover rising medical costs.
Simon and Lisa were left fighting for their lives after becoming trapped by the fast-moving blaze that spread through the mountains near Bedar and Los Gallardos last week, relatives said in a GoFundMe appeal.
The couple were rescued from the hillside the following day and remain in a critical condition in a Spanish hospital, where they continue to receive specialist treatment.
READ MORE: Five Brits confirmed dead in Andalucia wildfires as families mourn loved ones
The fundraiser has already collected more than €50,000 from around 1,000 donations, as Simon and Lisa’s family remain by their bedside.
“Despite their devastating injuries, Simon and Lisa pleaded with their rescuers to save them because they wanted to see their children again,” the family wrote on GoFundMe.
All three of the couple’s children have travelled to Spain to be with their parents, the appeal said, along with Lisa’s twin sister.
The family said they are now facing growing expenses, including emergency flights, accommodation, food, transport and other unexpected costs while the couple continue their medical treatment.
“We are raising funds to help ease the financial burden on our family so they can focus on what truly matters – being there for Simon and Lisa during this unimaginably difficult time,” the appeal stated.
Relatives also thanked Spain and the local community for the support and kindness shown since the incident.
“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Spain and the local community for the incredible kindness and support they have shown during this devastating time,” they said.
The couple remain among the most seriously injured victims of the wildfire that swept through the Los Gallardos area, killing 13 people and destroying more than 7,000 hectares of countryside.
At least five Britons were among those who died, according to Almeria’s Vera Court, while three further victims are still awaiting identification.
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