Our friends Pete and Roberta were due to get married in June. In February, while they were staying in Roberta's hometown near Rome, Roberta suffered a brain haemorrhage from a burst aneurysm. She was taken to a local hospital where they operated to stop the bleeding. She was then transferred to a hospital in Rome where they slowly brought her out of an induced coma. For a few days things were looking very positive; Roberta was able to confirm that she could understand those around her and was able to mouth words.

Unfortunately, a week later there was a complication and Roberta suffered an ischaemic stroke, damaging a large part of the left side of her brain. She remained in a coma for some weeks. Doctors at the time said that she may not be able to wake from the coma but Roberta is strong and managed to wake from the coma. Although alert, as yet, she has not yet found a way to communicate and has significant movement issues. It is hoped Roberta can shortly be transferred to a rehabilitation facility. Pete remains at Roberta's side in Rome.

We do not know what the future holds for Roberta but with her strength and passion for life we are optimistic that she will make significant improvements over the coming months and years.

This page has been set up to raise funds to to enable Roberta to access the best medical treatment and rehabilitation available to aid in her recovery process.