An Irish family in Lanzarote are asking for support to help their daughter, Casey, who is facing serious mental health challenges and has been moved to a juvenile psychiatric ward in Gran Canaria.
Her parents, Sean and Donna, urgently need assistance with travel costs so they can be close to her during this difficult time.
Casey, aged 13, has recently been admitted to the facility in Gran Canaria for treatment. Her family has been dealing with her mental health issues for several years, which have led to several visits to A&E due to self-harming and suicide attempts.
This situation has been tough not only for Casey but also for her parents, who are feeling both emotionally and financially strained.
After moving to Lanzarote when Casey was three, Sean and Donna have seen their daughter struggle both at school and in her personal life. They explained that the lack of proper mental health resources for young people in Lanzarote has resulted in judicial intervention, leading to Casey being placed in a care facility in Gran Canaria. This move has created significant logistical and financial challenges for the family, as they must now travel between the islands to support her.
To be present for Casey’s therapy sessions, the couple plans to visit her on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and every weekend, however, the costs of travel, accommodation, and food have become a heavy burden. Sean wrote on GoFund Me: “Travel isn't cheap, and all we need is help for essential travel,” as they look for ways to raise funds to stay by their daughter’s side.
So far, their fundraising efforts have surpassed their initial goal of €5,000 thanks to numerous donations. The emotional impact of the situation has been heightened, as hospital staff have stressed the importance of the parent’s presence in Casey’s recovery.
"She waits and prays to see us. To say this has devastated us as a family is an understatement," Donna said, clearly affected by her daughter's situation.
Despite their struggles, Sean and Donna feel lucky to have supportive employers who allow them time off work. However, the financial challenges are still a problem. To help cover their travel expenses, they have started fundraising and received support from friends.
If you can or want to help, visit the GoFundMe page here: Support for Casey
