Welsh Mother in Coma After Holiday Brain Infection Turns to Meningitis
A mother from North Wales is fighting for her life in a hospital after a sudden illness struck her at a holiday island airport. Jade Bird, aged 33 and from Abergele, had been enjoying a break in Tenerife and was scheduled to fly home last Wednesday. However, while waiting at the airport, she complained of a severe headache and earache, prompting immediate medical attention.
Rapid Deterioration and Diagnosis
The seriousness of her condition led medics to call an ambulance, which rushed her to the nearest hospital. A brain scan revealed an infection on her brain, and she was placed into an induced coma to allow her brain to rest. Tragically, the infection has since progressed into meningitis, a life-threatening inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Jade's sister-in-law, Victoria Bird, and her mother, Janine, have travelled to Tenerife to be by her side. They are now desperately trying to arrange her return home, but face a daunting challenge: a medical evacuation flight is estimated to cost between £50,000 and £100,000.
Family's Heartbreaking Plea
In a heartfelt statement, Victoria described the devastating phone call she received late Wednesday night, informing her of Jade's condition. She expressed the family's anguish, saying, "We are absolutely heartbroken and it is so hard being in another country with the language barrier." The family is struggling with the prospect of having to return to Wales without Jade, as they cannot afford to stay indefinitely.
Victoria added, "There is going be a point very soon that we are going to have to fly home as we just don't have the money to stay here, but how do we fly home without her? How can we leave her here knowing we can't see her and not being able to get an update on if she is ok."
Fundraising Efforts and Personal Impact
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Jade, who works as a carer for vulnerable adults, and her family. More than £7,500 has already been raised, but the target is much higher to cover the medical evacuation costs. Victoria emphasised Jade's character, stating, "Jade is such a bubbly person, she's so kind hearted and loving and would do anything for anyone."
The situation is particularly poignant as Jade is a single mother to a six-year-old daughter, Skyla. The family has not yet broken the news to Skyla, who is staying with Victoria's husband. Victoria shared their dread, saying, "Skyla needs her mummy home." They fear that telling Skyla her mother is poorly will be even more traumatic if Jade remains in another country, inaccessible to her daughter.
Ongoing Challenges and Community Support
The family continues to navigate the complexities of international medical care and fundraising. In her plea for help, Victoria expressed deep gratitude, saying, "If you are able to help I thank you from the bottom of my heart and will always be so grateful. We just need her home, we can't leave her here but we can't stay here forever ourselves as we can't afford too."
This case highlights the sudden and severe nature of meningitis, as well as the emotional and financial burdens faced by families during medical emergencies abroad. The community's response through donations offers a glimmer of hope in bringing Jade back to Wales for continued treatment and recovery.
