Cairns rallies behind elderly crime victim desperate for surgery

There’s been an outpouring of generosity from Far Northerners keen to help a pensioner desperate for a major operation after the 88-year-old was the victim of a cold-hearted burglary.

AN OUTPOURING of generosity has appeared as Far Northerners dig deep to ensure an elderly victim of a cold-hearted burglary gets life-changing cataract surgery.

Having had one eye previously operated on, 88-year-old Hemma Somlo was on a waiting list to remove cataracts from the other eye.

The savings she needed to fast-track the procedure were stolen from under her nose on April 3.

Police are investigating the burglary that left Ms Somlo feeling violated after the alleged offender asked for a glass of water and snuck into the pensioner’s Charles St unit in Parramatta Park when her back was turned.

“It’s the atrocity of what they did to a pensioner, she abused my trust and stole my things,” Ms Somlo said earlier this week.

Hemma Somlo helped a woman who knocked on her door asking for a glass of water, then had cash and her bank card stolen while she was in the kitchen. Picture: Brendan Radke

Moved by Ms Somlo’s plight, Cairns Post readers have come forward wanting to contribute to the cost of the eye operation, estimated to be worth between $2000 and $3500.

Kenfrost Homes and hospitality recruitment firm Top End Consulting are expected to share the cost of the procedure.

Ms Somlo was delighted to hear about the offers of donations.

“It’s wonderful that people are trying to help me,” she said.

“I am on the waiting list for a free operation but that means a lot of time.”

Hemma Somlo at her Parramatta Park home earlier this week. Picture: Brendan Radke

Edmonton resident Lynn Hales also plans to donate funds toward Ms Somlo’s operation.

“I am sick to death of bad things happening,” he said.

“I am 74 years old and I thought the world would be a far better place and people would be more considerate.

“It’s going from bad to worse.

“We are comfortable without being wealthy and I feel if we can help it makes a difference.”

It is understood donors will request a cost estimate from the medical provider to reach an understanding in regard to payment of the treatment.

Despite the kind offers, Ms Somlo remained shaken by the callous breach of her trust after doing a good turn for someone claiming to be thirsty.

“Most of all I hope that the woman that did this is caught so she doesn’t damage other people,” she said.

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Originally published as Cairns rallies behind elderly crime victim desperate for surgery