Sisters Maria Jackson, left, and Carolina Ricerra, who suffered renal failure after coming to the island for Mrs Jackson’s wedding. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0663648)

PEOPLE and businesses have rallied round a Filipino nurse who needs a kidney transplant. Carolina Ricerra, 26, came to the island in July just before the wedding of her sister, Maria Jackson, who is also a nurse.

Soon after she got here she began feeling ill but put this down to jetlag and a change of climate.

But her condition worsened, with severe headaches, weakness and nausea and three weeks ago she was diagnosed with severe anaemia from acute kidney failure. She was given an emergency blood transfusion and needs daily dialysis.

With no medical insurance, she must pay for her treatment in Guernsey. With the bed alone costing £300 per day, she already faces a £6,000 bill and that does not include her flight home.

The sisters hope that a bric-a-brac sale today will enable them to pay the bill. Businesses have given prizes and friends have offered things to be sold.

The Hougue du Pommier Hotel has given a prize of a Christmas meal for two, Rohais Motor Centre a Pioneer car speaker and a make-up set from Stonelakes is also among the prizes.

• Anyone wishing to help the sisters can contact Mrs Jackson on 07781 122175.