THE Horsham community has rallied behind its own during a difficult time.
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Residents have raised money for Felicity Taylor – known to many as Flick – who will have open heart surgery on Wednesday.
Her brother and sisters Julia Currie, Anna Grieve and Mathew Taylor created a ‘Go Fund Me’ page for her on Tuesday morning.
Mrs Currie said she was overwhelmed by the support.
“By midnight people had donated $2000 and three days later we exceeded our goal,” she said.
Mrs Currie said the Horsham spirit was strong.
“Horsham is this circle that just keeps going, everyone keeps giving and when the table turns we’re all here to help,” she said.
Mrs Currie said helping people had always been her sister’s priority.
“She thrives when helping others and contributing to a cause that is worthy,” she said.
Mrs Currie said the support and money raised would help alleviate the stress of the operation. “We wanted to cover the cost of the operation and rehabilitation, so she can concentrate on recovering,” she said.
“Our target was $5000 and we’ve exceeded that. Anything from now is an added bonus in supporting Flick.”
Mrs Currie said her sister was diagnosed in 1974 with the rare congenital heart condition, Tetralogy of Fallot.
The condition is caused by a combination of four heart defects present at birth.
The surgery is booked for Wednesday in Melbourne.
Mrs Currie said her sister was three when she endured open heart surgery for the first time.
“She is an absolute medical miracle. To have the initial surgery in 1977 and not need surgery until 40 years on, she’s a fighter,” she said.
Mrs Currie said her sister had utmost confidence in the surgeon.
“I don’t think it has hit her yet, which is a good because the support from the community has really helped,” she said.
“Our task was to raise the money – her task is the recovery process.”
Mrs Currie said the family wanted to make the recovery as easy as possible.
“We all have to be strong, but she’s the strongest out of all of us. I’m so proud of her,” she said.
Mrs Currie said people could visit www.gofundme.com/returning-the-favour-to-flick to donate.
