UK woman on DESPERATE mission to get mother out of war-torn Syria in time for Christmas
THE SEVENTY-year-old woman was left with a hole in her stomach when a mortar bomb exploded in her garden.
Abeer's mother, Hayat, never considered leaving the family home in Alappo
Syrian-born Abeer Jones has lived in the UK since falling in love with her English teacher ten years ago.
The 43-year-old leads a very happy life in Abergele, North Wales.
Abeer's mother, Hayat, never considered leaving the family home in Alappo.
The elderly woman has been determined to stay in Syria despite the war raging all around her.
The elderly woman remained determined to stay in Syria despite the war raging all around her
But Hayat's safety was ripped away in September this year, when a mortar bomb landed in her garden.
Talking of her mother's torment, Abeer said: "Mum had been told there were bombs and fighting and everyone needed to move into the other room.
"My sisters had started moving, but before mum could get up, the bomb exploded and fragments flew through the room.
"All she remembers is seeing fireworks explode right in front of her, so quick there's no way she could have escaped them, then a searing pain in her stomach and she couldn't feel one arm at all."
A fragment of mortar pierced Hayat's stomach, burning through her skin and leaving a huge 15cm cut
70-year-old Hayat sustained horrific injuries.
A fragment of mortar pierced her stomach, burning through her skin and leaving a huge 15cm cut.
Her left elbow had also been shattered.
An ambulance would not risk driving down the street because it was too dangerous, so Hayat was taken to hospital in a friend's car.
Desperate to bring her mother to safety, Abeer is raising money for her mother's escape from Syria
The Syrian Crisis - The Facts
Desperate to bring her mother to safety, Abeer is raising money for her mother's escape from Syria.
She hopes to raise £4,000 to cover Hayat's relocation expenses and bring her home in time for Christmas.
To donate to Abeer's campaign, see here.