A family from Leicestershire say they have endured a 'horrific' ordeal trying to return home after their 11-year-old son broke his leg on holiday in Turkey. Vinnie slipped by the pool at a hotel in Lara Beach on 18 July, sustaining a severe fracture that required a full-length cast.
The family claim they faced delays in receiving pain relief and were shuttled between hospitals while awaiting insurance approval. They were later told by their insurer to reduce the cast size to fly, but hospital staff said an operation was needed instead.
When a flight was arranged, EasyJet denied boarding because Vinnie required a stretcher, which the airline's policy does not accommodate. The family spent 48 hours in a hotel room with Vinnie on an ambulance bed, describing the situation as 'heartbreaking'.
EasyJet apologised, stating they were advised Vinnie could travel in a wheelchair, but he would only travel on a stretcher. The insurer, Holiday Extras, said they were working with underwriters to find a solution.
Two private companies, Airlec Air Espace and Hearts First Ambulance Service, have now offered to fly the family home for free on Friday. A fundraiser set up by friends aims to cover the estimated £40,000 cost.
