The body of an Australian hotel worker hit by a car on Skye is expected to be repatriated next week with the help of almost £17,000 of public donations.
The online appeal was launched to help cover the cost of returning 21-year-old Madison Rice’s body to her homeland.
She was spending a day off with her New Zealand-born boyfriend Joe Perry when the tragedy happened, a week ago, near the island’s Sligachan Hotel.
The couple were believed to be returning home to the Kinloch Lodge hotel at Sleat where they had been living and working.
Ms Rice’s family, in Queensland, have said they are “overwhelmed” by people’s generosity.
As of last night, the YouCaring online donations had risen to £16,800.
In a statement, her stepfather Alix said: “We have the agonising wait for Maddy to make her trip home. It’s looking like June 22.
“When arrangements have been made we will be able to celebrate her beautiful soul. Madison loved bright colours and we encourage anyone coming to the service to wear bright colours.
“This is is a very hard time for us all. Be there for each other. Take care. We are very grateful to you all. Words are not enough.”
The family added: “We are all struggling to come to terms with this news of our young lady being taken away from us all so soon.”
A number of the 500-plus donations were from people on Skye, including Ms Rice’s employers who pledged more than £1,000.
The family launched the campaign after it emerged that she had no travel insurance.
One message on the website said: “With sympathy and prayers from Skye.”
Another read: “We’re all so sorry for your loss. Isle of Skye.”
