Community rallies to bring Donna home to West Auckland

THE family of a West Auckland mother who died during a birthday trip abroad have thanked the community for helping to raise vital funds needed to bring her body home.

Donations have amounted to about £5,000 in memory of Donna Proudfoot who died while in Benidorm with her husband, John.

Mrs Proudfoot had travelled to the Costa Blanca resort to celebrate her 50th birthday. She spent her birthday in an induced coma due to a bleed on the brain. Mrs Proudfoot died the day after her birthday on Tuesday, November 21, with Mr Proudfoot by her side.

Since the news broke, Mrs Proudfoot’s home community have united to raise money to support the family.

Having travelled without full insurance, only Mrs Proudfoot’s treatment was covered by a European Health Insurance Card. A number of fundraising events have been organised to help cover the cost of flying her body home.

A special walk was held on Saturday which saw crowds complete a five-mile trek from Bishop Auckland to West Auckland in Mrs Proudfoot’s memory. This was followed by fundraising at West Auckland Workingmen’s Club.

An afternoon of entertainment was also held at Tindale Crescent Workingmen’s Club on Sunday. Bag packing, raffles and bonus balls have also taken place to try to raise the money needed.

Mrs Proudfoot’s brother, Wayne Ruddy, said: “It has been an unbelievable weekend. Lots of people were in West Auckland waiting and they were cheering them on.

“At a rough count we have raised about £5,000 and there is still money to come in. I think we might have enough to bring Donna home.

“Everything that has been organised has been done by everyone else. It is not what we have done. It has been overwhelming. We just can’t believe it.”

Mrs Proudfoot leaves behind her husband, John, who she wed earlier this year, her three sons, Jonathan Hubery, Michael Hubery and Dylan Curtis, and her grandchildren.

She is also survived by her mother Norma and her siblings Jacqueline and Wayne.

Mr Ruddy said: “Donna was always doing fundraising things herself. A few weeks ago she said she didn’t want any birthday or Christmas presents.

“Instead she asked people to donate money to a cancer fund she set up.

“She did a lot for the community. I can’t put into words how much Donna will be missed.

“Everyone knew her. She was a really popular girl.

“She will be a big miss. We are still all in shock.”

On behalf of the family, Mr Ruddy thanked everyone for their kind words and support.

He said: “We are overwhelmed with the community and public support.

“We never imagined any of it. Thank you will never be enough.”