Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez has described the terrifying 'chaos' that unfolded in his household while his fiancée, Gemma Atkinson, was away for work, leaving him to deal with a medical emergency involving their six-year-old daughter, Mia.
A Parent's Worst Nightmare Unfolds
The drama began when Mia told her mother she was feeling unwell before Gemma, who celebrated her 41st birthday recently, departed for a work commitment in London. Hoping it was minor, the radio host suggested Mia watch a movie to feel better.
However, the situation escalated dramatically once Gemma had checked into her hotel. Gorka called to report that Mia's condition had worsened significantly, leading to what he would later describe as a scene straight out of a movie.
'Blood Everywhere' and the Ambulance Call
Speaking on their podcast, Lost In Translation, Gorka recounted the harrowing sequence of events. After Mia fell asleep, he initially believed she was improving, but she awoke coughing, struggling to breathe, and suffering a severe nosebleed.
'I'm on the phone telling them, 'Listen, she's not well',' Gorka recalled. 'Because she was coughing from the cough, she started bleeding through her nose... The floor was full of blood because she was vomiting also.' With the situation spiralling, he made the decision to call an ambulance, urgently requesting assistance.
Gemma, watching the unfolding crisis via FaceTime, chimed in with her own memory of the scene: 'Blood everywhere,' she said, highlighting the sheer panic of witnessing the emergency from a distance.
Recovery and a Newfound Appreciation
Following medical attention, Mia was diagnosed with croup and a respiratory tract infection. She was prescribed steroids and antibiotics to combat the illnesses, which had compounded a existing cough and cold.
The couple confirmed that their daughter is now 'all fine,' though they noted another family member has since developed similar symptoms.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Gemma praised Gorka, calling him 'marvellous in that situation.' She added that the experience gave him a deeper appreciation for the times she manages the children alone. Gorka agreed, stating, 'Yeah, I always appreciate it, but it makes me appreciate it even more.'
The couple, who also have a two-year-old son named Tiago, met on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. They got engaged on Valentine's Day in 2021 and are currently planning their wedding, considering locations in both England and Spain to accommodate their families.
