A SERIOUSLY ill woman's hopes of a life-saving operation abroad lie in the balance as doctors say she is unable to fly.

Rachel Pighills, who was injured in a freak accident involving a ceiling fan, has been told she can now have the op in Barcelona instead of New York.

But has been dealt another cruel blow with her surgeon telling her not to fly as it could add greater risk for Mrs Pighills's condition.  

Her husband Guy is now planning on driving his wife over 1,000 miles to Barcelona to ensure she has the three-stage op.

Four years ago, the mother-of-one was struck by an overhead fan leaving her with a serious head injury.

The operation will mean her spine and neck are in line with each other and the family need to raise £215,000 for the surgery, travel, and other associated costs.

Mr Pighills said: "The risk is too great, and flying could cause more harm." 

"To get to Barcelona, we're thinking of hiring or buying an old ambulance and I'll drive it myself.

"Driving an old ambulance myself is the best option. I know how severe it is for Rachel, even a bump in the road. 

"I feel a bit more confident if I was driving." 

By road, the journey could take up to six days. Due to the nature of Mrs Pighill's injury, she will have to do the journey lying down in a stretcher. 

Dr Gilete is a neurosurgeon based in Barcelona, and the couple want to raise the money before May otherwise they risk her injuries becoming permanent.

So far, £74,000 has been raised for the surgery, and Mrs Pighills is hopeful that they'll meet the target. 

Mrs Pighills said: "I can't say I'm confident because there is such a long way to go. 

 "If 28,000 people donate £5, then we have our target." 

"If I don't get the surgery end of May, the more chances of the damage being permanent." 

Over the past few years, Mr Pighills said people have been showing their support, and some well-wishers have even organised fundraisers. 

"People have been doing wonderful things for us such as; holiday events, bingo nights, and we've met some wonderful people on this journey."

To donate, search Rachel's fight for life on GoFundMe.