A British grandmother is fighting for her life in Turkey after suffering a heart attack on holiday, with her family now facing a hospital bill of around £25,000.
Amanda Cannon, 58, from Redhill, Surrey, was rushed into intensive care after collapsing during a trip with her daughter Marisa White on 10 October. The grandmother-of-nine reportedly went without oxygen for 10 minutes after what doctors suspect was an epileptic seizure and cardiac arrest.
Treatment costs and condition
She is currently on life support in a private hospital in Antalya, Turkey. Her treatment is costing approximately €3,500 (£3,000) per day, with the bill already reaching €30,000 (£25,000).
Hannah Cooper, the mother of Amanda's grandchildren, flew to Turkey with her five-year-old daughter after a distressing call from Marisa. She described how Amanda suddenly "jolted backwards", turned blue and stopped breathing. Marisa began CPR until paramedics arrived and took over.
No travel insurance
Amanda did not have travel insurance, but Hannah said Turkish medical staff would not stop treatment due to religious reasons. The family fears the costs could reach hundreds of thousands of pounds if her condition does not improve.
Hannah, 33, from Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex, said: "She's now in a deep coma. She's got kidney failure, liver failure. They said there's a 20 per cent chance that she'll wake up and if she does, she'll be in a vegetative state."
She also said the hospital would not discharge her to a public one until half of the bill was settled. Hannah stated: "I've asked for a transfer to a state hospital where it would still cost money, but not like this."
Family fundraiser and impact
The family has started a GoFundMe campaign with an initial goal of £15,000, but now fears the final bill could be much higher.
Despite no longer being with Amanda's son, Hannah said the 58-year-old has remained a significant figure in her life. She said: "She's been like a second mum to me for 17 years. She's always been my biggest supporter."
The ordeal has also affected Amanda's grandchildren. Hannah said: "My eldest is asking a lot of questions and is upset. My little girl just keeps saying she wants to see her nan."
Hannah and her daughter were due to return to the UK on Sunday, October 18, while Marisa plans to fly back to Turkey after collecting medication. Hannah stated: "We're upset, shocked and confused. We just don't know what's going to happen next."
