A family from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, are stranded in Gran Canaria after their daughter suffered a stroke while on holiday. Melanie Mansfield, 43, who has Down's syndrome, became unwell after visiting a shop at the resort on the first full day of the trip.
Stroke and Brain Bleed
Melanie's father, Steven Mansfield, 67, said she returned from the shop looking disoriented, with the right side of her mouth drooping. Resort medical staff called an ambulance, and she was diagnosed with a stroke and a bleed on the brain. She was airlifted to a larger hospital in Gran Canaria, where she underwent surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma.
Doctors have begun to reduce sedation to assess her recovery, but have warned she may never wake up. Steven said: 'They have told us she may never wake up but may is a big word so we don't know.'
Insurance and Financial Issues
The family's travel insurance has refused advance payments due to an anomaly in Melanie's medical notes, citing doctor-patient confidentiality. The policy covers only 97.2% of costs, leaving the family liable for a shortfall on medical evacuation, estimated at £25,000–£40,000. Additionally, the insurance will only reimburse expenses for one parent, despite both staying by Melanie's side.
Steven and Catherine Mansfield have been funding everything themselves since June 1. They are staying in a small apartment, visiting the hospital daily for six hours. Catherine said: 'We're very tired. The bed isn't the best and we're not sleeping well because we don't know what's going on.'
Return Travel Complications
Jet2, the family's airline, said they cannot provide a flight from Gran Canaria because the family flew into Fuerteventura. They could use their return tickets from Fuerteventura but would face a fine for changing the date. A Jet2 spokesperson said: 'We are very sorry... and can confirm that our team is continuing to do all they can to support Mr Mansfield and his wife.'
The family has set up a GoFundMe page to cover costs. Steven said: 'We made the decision earlier in the year that the end of October would be a nice time to retire... obviously everything that has happened has put us on the back foot.'
