Mum's Tenerife Holiday Turns Into Meningitis Nightmare
A mother from Wales has revealed how a dream holiday in Tenerife turned into a life-threatening medical emergency after she contracted meningitis. Jade Bird, 33, believes she would have died if she had boarded her scheduled flight home, as her symptoms began to escalate at the airport.
Airport Collapse Leads to Hospital Dash
Jade, a carer from Abergele, was due to fly home from the Spanish island last Wednesday when she fell seriously ill. She was rushed from the airport to hospital, where doctors diagnosed an infection in her brain that had developed into meningitis. This swift action likely saved her life, as the condition can be fatal if not treated promptly.
"I remember asking my boyfriend to pass me a bag so I could be sick, and that's the last thing I remember," Jade told the Manchester Evening News. "My boyfriend remembers me locking myself in the toilet - apparently I was screaming in the airport. I'm glad I never got on the flight. If I did, I probably would have died."
Eight Days in an Induced Coma
Jade spent eight days in an induced coma and a further ten days on intravenous antibiotics in a Tenerife hospital. She was discharged on March 26 and flew home the same day, finally reuniting with her six-year-old daughter, Skyla. The emotional reunion marked a turning point in her harrowing ordeal.
Reflecting on her experience, Jade said: "I still have to have more procedures, I have to have a lumbar puncture. But I'm in a much better state than I was, considering what I've been through." She attributes the onset of her illness to altitude changes during her holiday, having visited Masca Valley and Mount Teide, which aggravated pre-existing ear problems.
Community Support and Long Road to Recovery
During Jade's hospital stay, her friends and family set up a GoFundMe page that raised over £13,000. This covered travel costs for loved ones to visit her in Tenerife and will support her recovery. "When I woke up and looked on my phone, I couldn't believe everything that I was seeing," she said. "Everyone's support was so overwhelming but so beautiful."
Doctors have warned Jade that her recovery may take months. She currently suffers from hearing loss, weak hands, memory issues, and residual brain swelling. Her medical bills reached tens of thousands of pounds, but were covered by insurance. The GoFundMe campaign has allowed her family to stay by her bedside and will enable her to take time off work to focus on healing.
Paying It Forward
In a heartwarming gesture, Jade plans to donate a portion of the funds to Tommy's Journey, a fundraiser for a five-year-old boy from Sale battling an aggressive form of cancer. "I'm poorly but I know he needs it more than me," she explained. "I feel like helping him is helping others in the same way that they helped me."
Jade's story highlights the sudden and severe nature of meningitis, while also showcasing the power of community support in times of crisis. Her journey serves as a stark reminder of the importance of travel insurance and prompt medical attention when illness strikes abroad.
