- Imelda O’Brien fell in January
- Sixth floor balcony broke fall
A beloved Bondi beautician is “lucky to be alive” after a horror fall from the 11th floor of her apartment building left her fighting for her life.
Imelda O’Brien, owner of an eyelash extensions shop in Bondi Junction, jumped from her balcony in January.
Her friend, Lauren Smyth, said that if it weren’t for a sixth-floor terrace that cushioned her fall, Mrs O’Brien “wouldn’t be here with us”.
He suffered a broken leg, ribs and tailbone and is recovering in hospital.
Imelda O’Brien fell eleven stories from her apartment building and is lucky to be alive
Smyth said while O’Brien, originally from Dublin, received help from friends, she faced financial difficulties on the long road to recovery.
“His whole body is badly bruised and he is in a lot of physical and mental pain,” Mrs Smyth said.
‘As Imelda is self-employed, she does not receive any income: bills and rent still have to be paid.
“Also, Imelda is not allowed to leave the hospital as she has to have someone with her at all times to help take care of her.”
On Sunday, Mrs Smyth launched a GoFundMe campaign to bring his family to Australia from his native Ireland.
He suffered a broken leg, ribs and tailbone and is recovering in hospital.
Mrs. O’Brien on an unrelated balcony
“The aim… is to help her mother and her partner travel so we can get her home and get her the help she needs,” Ms Smyth said.
“(As well as) the cost of flights and a place to stay for her family while they arrange everything for her.”
By Monday afternoon, the campaign had already raised nearly $3,000, with some people donating as much as $250.