A beloved Bondi beauticianist is “lucky to be alive” after a horror fall from the 11th floor of her apartment building left her fighting for life.
Imelda O’Brien, who owns a lash extensions shop in Bondi Junction, was rushed to hospital in January suffering a broken leg, ribs, and tailbone after the fall.
Her friend, Lauren Smyth, said if it was not for a deck on the 6th floor which broke her fall, Ms O’Brien “would not be here with us”, as she makes a plea for help.
Ms Smyth said while Ms O’Brien, who is originally from Dublin, was getting help from friends, she faced financial hardship while on the long road to recovery.
“Her whole body is just massively bruised and she is in a lot of pain physically and mentally,” Ms Smyth said.
“As Imelda is self employed, she has absolutely no income coming in – bills and rent still have to be paid.
“Also, Imelda is not allowed out of the hospital as she has to be have someone that is with her at all times to be able to help care for her.”
On Sunday, Ms Smyth launched a GoFundMe campaign for to help beauticianist and to bring her family to Australia from her native Ireland.
“The aim … is to help fly her mam and her partner over to be able to take her home and get her the help she needs,” Ms Smyth said.
“(As well as) the cost of flights and somewhere to stay for her family while they get everything sorted for her.”
By Monday afternoon, the campaign had already raised almost $3000, with some people donating as much as $250.
According to the Facebook account Lashed By Imelda O’Brien, the Dublin-born woman offered a range of services, including lash lifts, brow lamination, and make-up.