A NEWLY wed couple stranded on their Corfu honeymoon when the bride broke her spine after falling from their hotel balcony have thanked those who helped raise the £16,000 to fly her home.

Carrie Anne Freeland and Michael Dudbridge’s honeymoon turned into tragedy when Carrie fell 30 feet from the couple’s first floor room on Saturday night, fracturing her spine in three places.

But while Carrie was able to get treatment with her European Health Insurance Card, formerly known as the E111 form, she did not have the travel insurance necessary to be brought home in a special plane which would allow her to be flown lying down.

The events triggered a massive fundraising effort organised by their family which generated the cash needed to bring her home in less than 24 hours.

Donations ranged from £1,000 to £5,000 with the amount soaring dramatically throughout yesterday.

On hearing the news Michael said: "Overwhelmed, can't describe how we both feel.

“Thank you ever so much to everyone and we will be thanking everyone when we get back home.

“Not enough words in the dictionary to describe how we feel.”

They are now awaiting medical clearance and assessments on Carrie's condition before being in a position to fly her back.

Speaking yesterday to News Shopper, Carrie's best friend Zoe Bayntun, 27, said: “Michael's spirits have been lifted by this.

“He can't believe how quickly the money has been raised.

“I think they can see light at the end of the tunnel now.

“Hopefully they can get home sooner rather than later.”

Amazingly one generous lady who lives in Corfu came forward offering to pay the full amount desperately needed by the couple.

However the woman, thought to be Greek, does not wish for any publicity.

Air ambulance repatriation company Mediaviation, who helped set up the fundraising website, say they will use the lady’s money should there be any outstanding costs beyond the £16,000 raised.