A family from Ellesmere Port has been left stranded in the Canary Islands after their daughter suffered a stroke and a bleed on the brain while on holiday. Melanie Mansfield, 43, who has Down's syndrome, fell ill on May 31 during a family trip to Fuerteventura with Jet2Holidays.
Sudden Collapse and Emergency Response
Melanie's parents, Steven, 67, and Catherine Mansfield, 68, told the ECHO that the family of eight arrived in Fuerteventura on May 30 to celebrate birthdays and relax. On the first full day, Melanie was playing in the pool but returned from the resort shop appearing disoriented. When her family called her, she did not respond, and her brother noticed the right side of her mouth drooping.
Resort medical staff called an ambulance, and after being taken to a local hospital, doctors diagnosed a stroke. She was then medically evacuated by helicopter to a larger hospital in Gran Canaria. The next day, Steven and Catherine flew to Gran Canaria, where doctors confirmed a bleed on the brain and performed an operation.
Uncertain Recovery and Communication Barriers
Steven described the anxiety of the first few days, compounded by a language barrier with hospital staff. He said: “We’d spoken to about five different doctors over five days who all said different things so we got very confused.” Melanie was placed in a medically induced coma, and doctors have begun weaning her off sedation. Steven added: “They have told us she may never wake up but may is a big word so we don’t know.”
Melanie is described as outgoing, a keen Liverpool supporter who enjoys art, music, films, and singing in a choir. Her parents visit her daily, holding her hand and playing her favourite music, hoping to stimulate her recovery.
Insurance and Financial Struggles
The family has been in Gran Canaria since June 1. Steven explained that their insurance company found an anomaly in Melanie’s doctor’s notes from home, which due to confidentiality, they cannot disclose. As a result, they are not entitled to advance payments. The insurance will cover 97.2% of costs, leaving them to cover the shortfall for medical evacuation back to the UK, which they were told could cost between £25,000 and £40,000. Additionally, the insurance will only reimburse costs for one parent, even though both are staying at Melanie's side.
Catherine said: “We’ve been told that because insurance isn't covering 100% of the cost we will also have to pay a percentage of the medical evacuation fee.” The couple has funded everything themselves so far, but may only get half of the costs reimbursed.
Travel Issues with Jet2
Jet2 told them that because they did not fly to Gran Canaria for their holiday, they cannot provide a return flight from there. They could still use their return flights from Fuerteventura, but would have to pay a fine for changing the date. A Jet2 spokesperson said: “We are very sorry to hear about Ms Mansfield and can confirm that our team is continuing to do all they can to support Mr Mansfield and his wife. This has included helping them to source accommodation and providing guidance on amending their return flight home.”
The family had planned to retire in October, but those plans are now on hold. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Melanie and her family.
