A holidaymaker has been stranded in a Spanish hospital after she was taken ill - forcing her to miss vital cancer treatment at home. Kelly and partner Andrew Timms, along with her parents Trevor and Leslie Haughton, travelled to Tenerife for a break before her latest round of cancer treatment.
However, what should have been a dream getaway with tour operator TUI has turned into a “nightmare” because of doubts about repatriation details. Kelly is relying on an air ambulance - organised by insurer May Day Assistance - for a flight home but she is still waiting for information, reports the Mirror.
It has already been cancelled twice on August 12 and 15 and Kelly remains in hospital. Insurer May Day told Kelly and her family it was awaiting a bed at Manchester Royal Infirmary, before she could head home.
Andrew and Kelly’s parents meanwhile have forked out over £6,000 collectively and bounced between three hotels as they do their best to support her. They are hoping their insurance will help with the costs.
Kelly was diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that affects the body’s soft tissue, back in November 2019. After fighting her cancer for so long, the family booked a getaway in Tenerife from July 29 to August 5, meaning should have been able to return ahead of her next scheduled treatment, which was due to start last Tuesday.
But on the second day of the holiday, Kelly, 39, began screaming in agony. Andrew, 56, said: “Kelly became poorly on the second day of her holiday so we got a doctor out but she started screaming so we got to hospital.”
However, Kelly’s ongoing time in hospital was described as a “nightmare” by her partner who said she often called them crying in the morning.
“Some nights she’s just abandoned on the bed and she’ll press the button and no one will appear. She has to have a bedpan which is demoralising and they don’t come straight away and she makes a mess on the bed," explained Andrew.
Andrew and Kelly’s parents have stayed in Tenerife to remain close to Kelly and they have moved through three hotels since the nightmare began. A spokesperson for travel firm TUI said: "We’re very sorry to hear about Mrs Timms’ experience and understand how distressing it must be.
"We’re aware that Mrs Timms’ travel insurance provider is now in contact with her and our team in resort remain on hand to support the family in any way we can."
May Day Assistance has been approached for comment.
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