A family from Swansea is facing a nightmare after a mother collapsed during a holiday in Spain and required emergency brain surgery. Stephanie Williams, 42, from Bishopston, remains critically ill in a hospital in Alicante nearly a week after the incident.
The ordeal began last Saturday when Stephanie, her four children and her partner were preparing to return to Wales from their Costa Blanca holiday. At around 1am, she suddenly fell ill in her hotel room and suffered a seizure. Her daughter Aimee arranged a £3,000 transfer to a local hospital, where Stephanie underwent urgent brain surgery on Monday June 10.
Despite travel insurance eventually covering medical costs, the family had to pay thousands for tests and the operation. Stephanie's father, brothers and partner have been keeping a bedside vigil. The surgery was successful, but she remains in a very critical condition in intensive care, and her prognosis is unclear.
The family's financial burden is compounded by the daily cost of accommodation for relatives staying nearby. Matters were worsened by the fact that Stephanie lost her mother just two months ago. A GoFundMe page set up by her daughter Aimee and sister-in-law Jade Wright has raised over £15,000, with a new target of £20,000 to support the family during her recovery.
Aimee described her mother as a selfless person who worked as a nurse, midwife and bereavement midwife. She said: 'We honestly can't believe the generosity and support my mum has received.' Any leftover funds will be donated to an aneurysm charity.
