Critically ill Caribbean crash victim Kate Clayton's family launch £500,000 appeal to fly her home from Grand Cayman

Kate Clayton’s loved ones have set up a fundraising page – Kate’s Fighting Fund – to raise the money that will fund an air ambulance to bring her back to Southampton, and go towards her rehabilitation as she recovers surrounded by her family and friends.

So far the family have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity, with nearly £5,000 raised within the first few days.

But they still have a long way to go before Kate, from Hedge End, is back on British soil.

As previously reported, the 30-year-old (pictured above) was left in critical condition following an accident in her Jeep Wrangler, which careered off the road and smashed into a tree.

The former Wildern School pupil, who grew up in the area, had moved to Grand Cayman in December 2013 to follow her dream of training as a diving instructor.

She had achieved that dream, training as a dive master and was helping people to explore in the Caribbean Sea with Tortuga Divers, part of a company called Red Snail Sport.

But tragically that all fell apart on January 11, as she drove home along Old Robin Road, on the island’s East End, having spent the afternoon watching American football with friends.

She suffered a catalogue of horrific injuries which have left her paralysed from the chest down and with possible spinal injuries.

She remains on a ventilator in the intensive care unit of the island’s George Town Hospital and her family still don’t know the extent of any brain damage.

Her mum Jo is at her bedside as she continues her fight for survival, while back in Hampshire her fam ily are working hard to raise the money needed to transfer Kate back safely to the UK and fund her rehabilitation.

In a statement, Kate’s only sister Clare Hunt described Kate as “an amazing young lady with a zest for life” who was active and enjoyed new challenges.

She said: “She loved her sports whether it was to be diving, climbing, swimming, fishing or motor cycling. Kate is also a loving, kind and passionate young lady in the things she did and loved.

“Everyone seems to like Kate as she is such a easygoing, fun-loving person, always happy to help others, and loved animals too.

“Kate is part of a loving family, but sadly on Sunday January 11, 2015, Kate and the rest of her family’s life was to be tragically changed after Kate was involved in a car accident, left with life-changing injuries and we need to get her home.”

Overwhelmed by the response so far, Kate’s stepfather Michael Rocks expressed his thanks to all those who have donated so far.

He said: “Kate is like a daughter to me. I feel helpless at the moment stuck in the UK while her mum is at her bedside in the Cayman Islands.

“We need to fund an air ambulance to get her home. Please help if you can. “Financial contributions are great but if you can’t afford to contribute financially please contribute by spreading the word.”

“A heartfelt thanks to everybody who has donated so far. Their generosity and well wishes are bringing us all to tears on a regular basis."

Her family are also looking for a freight company who can donate their services to bring Kate’s belongings home, such as her pushbike, diving equipment and clothes.

Michael added: “Her life was out there so we need to bring it all back with her. It’s not a massive amount but if we can find a freight company who would be happy to help get her stuff back home, it would be really useful.”

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service is investigating the incident.

• You can donate by visiting https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/6w9F6