
EXCLUSIVE British dad, 51, stuck in Malaysia after suffering a stroke in front of his daughters on long-haul flight to 'dream family holiday'
Now left picking up the pieces, wife Noor Haris, 55, a medical doctor from Malaysia living in Newcastle, has spoken for the first time about the terrifying ordeal that turned a long-awaited summer holiday into a life-altering nightmare.
Her husband, Mohd, 51, suffered a stroke just hours before their British Airways flight from Newcastle to Kuala Lumpur was due to land on July 4. He collapsed in front of their two daughters, aged 16 and 18.
Recalling the harrowing experience to MailOnline, Noor said: 'It was around 6am, I had gone to get a drink and my husband needed the toilet. That's when he fell on to the floor and collapsed.
'He could not move his left arm or leg, they were completely dead. That's when we realised he was having a stroke.' A GoFundMe has now been launched to help support Noor and her family.
The family had boarded the British Airways flight on July 3 at 5:30pm from Newcastle, via London Heathrow, heading to Malaysia for their children's school holidays.
The trip was meant to bring respite after a gruelling few months. Mohd had suffered his first stroke in March 2025 and had spent two months recovering in hospital.
With medical clearance to fly and using a walking stick, the family felt optimistic.
But in the early hours over Asia, disaster struck again.
'I kept telling the crew: "He's having a stroke, he's definitely had a stroke",' Noor said.
Displaying extraordinary calm under immense pressure, Noor, a full-time working doctor, cared for her husband with the help of compassionate BA crew and a fellow doctor on board.
An anonymous medical professional came and assessed and reviewed Noor's husband. They also carried out checks on him every half-an-hour to ensure his condition was not worsening.
Staff provided clean pajamas, and despite the harrowing situation, Noor managed to clean him up and settle him back into his seat.
'When we got him back again to his seat, at that point there was some discussion about trying to divert the flight,' she said.
'Even though unfortunately he could not move his left arm or leg he was otherwise stable. They checked his blood pressure and everything and they were all okay so the decision was made to continue the journey.'
Speaking of the devastating moment Mohd collapsed in the plane's narrow aisle, Noor admitted she 'blanked out everything because I knew in my mind what was going on.
'I'm also a medical doctor so with my knowledge I did not panic, but the girls, they were sat in front of us, and when they heard that their dad had collapsed they turned around but I couldn't even look at their faces.
'I was totally unaware of what everybody else was thinking or doing. A couple of passengers did offer to try and help to lift him up,' she added.
Upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, paramedics were waiting on the tarmac, having been alerted by the crew.
Noor expressed her relief that due to the urgency of the situation, the family managed to get through immigration, board an ambulance and reach a local A&E in under an hour.
'I was quite lucky at the time because I had my two daughters with me and was giving them specific instructions about what to do.
'As soon as we arrived he was wheeled in, they put a cannula in his arm and went straight for a CT scan.'
The scans confirmed a new stroke - a right pontine infarct and left parieto-occipital infarct. He now suffers from left-sided weakness and is being tube-fed due to the risk of aspiration.
'As soon as they confirmed it was not bleeding, we were transported to a neighbouring hospital which actually happened to be a special stroke unit.'
Noor said that the entire ordeal happened quickly and the decision was made that he was not a candidate for any immediate intervention. He was admitted to the hospital then and has been there ever since.
While doctors in Malaysia have identified him as a strong candidate for intensive rehabilitation, the family's life has been thrown into limbo.
Meant to fly back on July 22, Noor has remained in hospital with her husband 24/7, unable to leave his side, while their daughters stay with relatives.
'He has improved movement in his left arm and leg but obviously its limited what he can do with his hands and his walking is not good.
'Doctors are also trying to adjust his medication for his high blood pressure and diabetes,' she said.
Noor is also highly concerned about Mohd's deteriorating mental health following his sickness.
'He can't do much, he struggles to do his buttons and pick things up so even just dressing himself is a challenge,' she said.
'He's very, very depressed. He keeps saying he ruined everything, that it's all his fault. But I keep telling him: "It's not. It's not your fault."
'He's feeling really down as well, because he knows that it's very unlikely he'll be able to drive and he used to do the school run for the girls.'
The sudden crisis has now left Noor grappling with the emotional and financial toll.
'I'm supposed to be back at work on July 24,' she added. 'But now I'm having to negotiate, because I don't know when we'll be able to fly home.'
Noor has been liaising with her husband's consultants in the UK to try and work out the safest time for the pair to journey back to Newcastle.
'There's also the uncertainty with the girls - one will be starting university, and they are both waiting for school results,' Noor said.
'So there is that dilemma as to whether I should let them go back on their own. But that will mean splitting up the family,' she added.
A GoFundMe has now been launched to help support Noor and her family as they face growing costs for living expenses, potential repatriation, and their daughters' education.
The fundraiser reads: 'Noor has always been a pillar of strength - for her family, and for everyone around her. Now, I hope we can be her support.
'Please consider donating whatever you can. No contribution is too small, and even if you're unable to give, your prayers and sharing this fundraiser are just as meaningful.
'Let's come together as a community to show Noor and her family that they're not alone.'
Despite the trauma, Noor is full of praise for British Airways staff.
'They were absolutely very supportive, very professional, very, very good,' she said.
'I appreciate that according to their protocol they should have diverted but I think I know this was the right thing to do, potentially, he probably had a clot that caused his stroke, but by the time we got to Malaysia the clot had actually probably moved because when they scanned him they could not see the clot.'
For now, the family's future remains uncertain - but Noor remains at her husband's side, quietly and determinedly holding it all together.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Geeky Gadgets
a day ago
- Geeky Gadgets
One UI 8 Watch Arrives on Galaxy Watch Ultra
The One UI 8 Watch update is now available for the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, bringing a host of advanced features and a refined user interface to the already impressive wearable. This update introduces innovative tools like Running Coach, Vascular Load, and Antioxidant Index, all designed to help users achieve their health and fitness goals. These features provide motivational insights, making it easier than ever to build healthier habits and track progress. Running Coach offers personalized guidance and real-time feedback during workouts, helping users optimize their performance and reach their fitness targets. Vascular Load monitors the user's cardiovascular health, providing valuable insights into their overall well-being. The Antioxidant Index feature tracks the user's antioxidant intake, encouraging a balanced diet and promoting long-term health benefits. Enhanced User Experience with Multi-Info Tiles and Now Bar The One UI 8 Watch update optimizes the user interface for the Galaxy Watch Ultra, ensuring that essential information is always accessible. The new Multi-Info Tiles allow users to customize their smartwatch display, pulling together health metrics, weather updates, and more into a single, easy-to-read view. This feature enables users to quickly glance at their watch and obtain the information they need without navigating through multiple screens or menus. Additionally, the Now Bar ensures that users can quickly access whatever they're working on, enhancing productivity and convenience. This feature keeps recently used apps and functions readily available, saving time and effort when switching between tasks. The Now Bar adapts to the user's preferences and habits, making the Galaxy Watch Ultra an even more intuitive and efficient companion for daily life. Pricing and Availability The Galaxy Watch Ultra is available in four stunning titanium finishes, including the newly introduced Titanium Blue. This premium wearable is designed for outdoor adventurers who demand durability and performance. The Titanium Blue variant adds a touch of style to the rugged design, making it an attractive choice for those who want to stand out while exploring the great outdoors. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic cater to everyday wellness and timeless sophistication, respectively. The Galaxy Watch8 offers a sleek and modern design, packed with features to help users maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Galaxy Watch8 Classic, on the other hand, combines advanced technology with a classic timepiece aesthetic, appealing to those who appreciate traditional watch design. All models, including the Galaxy Watch Ultra in Titanium Blue, will soon be available globally. Pricing details will vary by region, so check with local retailers or Samsung's official website for the latest updates. Specifications One UI 8 Watch Features: Running Coach, Vascular Load, Antioxidant Index Running Coach, Vascular Load, Antioxidant Index User Interface Enhancements: Multi-Info Tiles, Now Bar Multi-Info Tiles, Now Bar Design: Four titanium finishes, including Titanium Blue Four titanium finishes, including Titanium Blue Compatibility: Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 Classic Explore More from Samsung For those interested in wearable tech, Samsung offers a wide range of devices designed to complement your lifestyle. From wireless earbuds to smartphones that seamlessly integrate with your smartwatch, there's something for everyone. The Galaxy Buds series provides immersive audio experiences and effortless connectivity, while the Galaxy smartphone lineup offers powerful performance and innovative features that work in harmony with the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or a tech-savvy professional, Samsung's ecosystem of products ensures you stay connected and productive. With the One UI 8 Watch update, the Galaxy Watch Ultra becomes an even more compelling choice for those seeking a feature-rich, user-friendly smartwatch that can keep up with their active lifestyles. Source Samsung Filed Under: Android News, Gadgets News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.


The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
Body of passenger who died on flight from Istanbul to San Francisco goes missing
A passenger who died on a Turkish Airlines flight en route from Istanbul to San Francisco was offloaded during an emergency stop in Chicago, but their body is now reportedly unaccounted for, SFGATE reports. Turkish Airlines Flight 79 departed Istanbul on July 13, and while flying over Greenland, a passenger suffered a severe medical emergency. Although the crew initially planned to divert to Iceland, the passenger's condition worsened, and they died before the plane diverted to Chicago. 'Consequently, the decision was made to continue toward North America rather than divert outside US airspace,' Aviation A2Z told SFGATE. 'Upon entering the airspace over the United States, the crew opted to land at Chicago O'Hare, a major international hub capable of handling emergency landings with adequate medical support and facilities.' Although the passenger's body should fall under the jurisdiction of the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, a spokesperson told SFGATE there is no record of the deceased or any matching case. Today, its unclear where the remains are. The Turkish Airlines station manager in San Francisco confirmed that remaining passengers were rerouted to their destination, but the whereabouts of the deceased passenger's remains are unknown. The airline has neither confirmed the passenger's identity nor disclosed the cause of death, beyond noting it stemmed from a medical emergency. The Independent has contacted representatives for Turkish Airlines, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office for comment. A 2021 study found that the mortality rate on a plane is about .21 per million passengers, according to The most common causes of death include pulmonary embolisms, cardiac arrests and respiratory issues.

Reuters
a day ago
- Reuters
Global Experts Acknowledge TATA Wooden Door's Breakthrough in Urban Noise Control Through Scenario-Based Construction in China
BEIJING, China, July 24, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- On July, 2025, during the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, Dr. Zhang Qihua, President of the Global Alliance for Sustainable Development Foundation, opens new tab, pointed out in an interview: 'As focus stays on air and water, WHO ranks urban noise as the second-biggest environmental health risk.' Noise Pollution: A Neglected Global Health Threat 'In megacities over ten million, long-term noise exposure raises cardiovascular disease risk by 27%. This directly hinders the achievement of SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities),' added Dr. Zhang. He emphasized that the acoustic environment is gaining attention in public health and governance. With 48% of residents suffering sleep disturbances, improving tranquility is no longer just technical—it's a systemic social task. Scenario-Based Innovation: A Chinese Breakthrough Approach In the relevant discussion, Dr. Zhang pointed out several outstanding cases from Chinese enterprises in reducing residential noise: 'We have observed that some Chinese companies are exploring more adaptable noise-reduction solutions tailored to the structural characteristics of local housing. For example, the Chinese brand TATA Wooden Door has developed quiet products tailored to family needs in small apartments, multi-generational homes, and elderly-friendly spaces. Such approaches also offer reference value for other developing countries.' He believes that the process of enabling residential scenarios through technology is not only a response to real pain points in families but also promotes the shift of "quietness" from a single function to a lifestyle component. Global Collaboration to Promote the Popularization of the 'Quiet Lifestyle' On how to promote the global adoption of the 'quiet lifestyle,' Dr. Zhang stated that the key lies in experience sharing and local adaptation. He believes that mature markets can share acoustic standards and governance mechanisms, while emerging markets offer valuable practices in product innovation and application scenarios. 'Cases like TATA Wooden Door show that acoustic optimization isn't limited by technology and can be implemented sustainably based on needs. Sharing practical cases through forums helps regions find suitable paths. When people begin choosing quiet products aligned with their lifestyles, it becomes a meaningful step toward better living environments,' Dr. Zhang concluded. About TATA Wooden Door TATA Wooden Door, established in 1999 in Beijing, has emerged as one of China's foremost wooden-room-door manufacturers. Renowned for its expert craftsmanship, environmental innovation, and stylish designs, TATA offers a wide selection of interior doors—painted, paint‑free, glazed, or fully solid—all engineered from premium fir, plywood, MDF, or oak. Utilizing urea‑free adhesives, hot‑pressed veneers, imported PU coatings, and patented magnetic seals, their products resist warping, termites, moisture, and noise. Backed by over 25 years of expertise, BIM-support, free quoting, precise installation, and award-winning quality (including use in the National Stadium and a Luban Award), TATA delivers reliable performance for modern residential and commercial projects. For more information, visit opens new tab. Media Contact Jiang Yutongservice@ ### SOURCE: TATA Wooden Door Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire See release on EZ Newswire