A RAMSBOTTOM woman has issued a desperate plea for help after her mum was left fighting for her life after suffering a brain aneurysm.

Margaret Burke, aged 62, was taken ill in Newfoundland, Canada, on Tuesday and is currently in an induced coma after having undergone emergency brain surgery.

Family members of Mrs Burke, who was born and bred in Bury and attended St Gabriel's RC High School, are trying to raise money to pay for her medical bills.

Her daughter Amanda Carruthers, who volunteers as a swimming coach at Ramsbottom Swimming Club, described receiving the news as "a massive shock".

She added that although her mum has medical insurance in place, it does not cover critical illnesses.

Ms Carruthers said: "A week ago she started suffering what she thought was a migraine and was in bed for a few days.

"It transpired that she was actually having an aneurysm.

"She seemed to get better and was up and out of bed. I spoke to her over the weekend and she said she was fine."

However, hours after her husband Patrick went to work on Tuesday morning, Ms Carruthers was rushed to hospital after collapsing at home.

Doctors later diagnosed her as having suffered an aneurysm and bleed to the brain.

"I have had to get an emergency passport and am looking to go out to see her within the next 48 hours," said Ms Carruthers.

"My heart breaks because I am not with my mum right now.

"At some point, there is going to come a very big bill, which is the last thing we need at this moment."

Ms Burke has four children and has been living in Canada on and off as her husband is in the country's air force.

A fundraising page has been set up by her family. To donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/yxssprhk.