Mum fighting for life after tragic hotel accident caused by mosquito bite
Emma Hickey and her partner Stephen Brougham took their two kids to Costa Adeje, Tenerife, Spain when the 42-year-old mum fell badly ill, prompting a trip to hospital
A mum is fighting for her life after plummeting down hotel stairs and hitting her head.
Emma Hickey and her partner Stephen Brougham took their two kids to Costa Adeje, Tenerife, Spain, on June 13 for a sun-soaked 12-day getaway. Just 10 days into the trip, the mum-of-two woke up with a 'really bad case' of mosquito bites, so went to hospital and was prescribed injections
Despite feeling unwell for the next few days, the 42-year-old carer 'soldiered through the holiday ' for the sake of her kids. But as they walked down the hotel staircase on their way to a pharmacy on June 23, Emma complained of feeling dizzy before suddenly collapsing and falling head-first onto a concrete step.
Stephen, 44, says it was 'horrific' to watch his partner convulsing on the concrete steps after passing out. She was immediately rushed to hospital. A hospital CT scan revealed the mum-of-two had a brain bleed and neck fractures, so she was put in an induced coma.
A friend of the family has set up a GoFundMe page to support plasterer Stephen and his two kids, while they are stranded in Tenerife waiting for Emma to recover. The dad-of-two says it could be 'a very long time' until his partner is well enough to fly home and he is unsure if the travel insurance will cover the soaring medical costs. Stephen, from Dublin, Ireland, said: "We came away for a lovely family holiday and it's been a living nightmare. She woke up with a really bad case of mosquito bites so we went to the local doctor and the doctors didn't know what it was so they sent her to hospital. "The doctor there said they'd never seen a case of this mosquito bite in Spain before. She got a prescription and sent her away. For the next few days she wasn't feeling well but was soldiering through the holiday for the sake of the kids trying to do what she could but she wasn't herself."
Stephen said that his wife went for a nap on the 23rd, leaving him to take the kids out to lunch. "She was up having a good sleep and she looked and seemed a lot better. She said she wouldn't go to the hospital but would walk out to a pharmacy and see what they thought," he continued. "We walked out the back entrance of the hotel as there's a shop and a pharmacy there. Street level is probably about four or five storeys up. She was feeling a bit dizzy and she collapsed and fell from the second last step of the upper staircase down below onto the other set of stairs head-first without raising her arm to protect herself.
"She passed out on the steps and started convulsing, she was in a terrible state. It's been horrific because I actually witnessed the fall and how bad the fall was. That's a mental scar that I'll never forget. Words can't describe how bad it is." Stephen called an ambulance, which rushed his partner to hospital. A CT scan showed she had suffered a brain bleed and needed an operation. Doctors discovered some fractures in her neck. She was then put in an induced coma and will remain in intensive care until she wakes up. Stephen said: "They did an operation and there were blood clots on the brain that had been putting some pressure on the brain. They're not saying what impact the pressure on the brain of the blood clot will have after she comes round. "There could be secondary issues there so in the meantime she's just been on the machine. She hasn't felt well all week so we can only presume that the mosquito bites, the medication, the heat and the fact she tried to soldier through the holiday just for the sake of the kids [caused it]. "They were draining the life out of her and they're all over her body, dozens and dozens. They looked uncomfortable and you could see that they were sore. They turned into bruises. I can only connect the two."
Stephen, who is self-employed, and is searching for alternative accommodation for him and children Sophie Hickey, 13, and Bobby Hickey, 7, while they wait for Emma to recover. He is hoping the travel insurance will help the rising medical costs after reviewing her medical records. "We know that hospital is $1,400 (£1,022) a day so we're going to have a significant medical bill. The hotel we're staying in at the moment is an expensive hotel. Then just feeding the kids and keeping them occupied. I'm not working now because I'm over here," he said. He's now encouraging others to ensure they get travel insurance and to be aware of the dangers of insects abroad.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Couple who overspent £150K on renovation set up fundraiser in bid to finish it
Mary and Sean Davies begun the conversion of a huge water tower in 2021 armed with what they hopes was a big enough budget to turn it into a huge home but problems were ahead A couple say they were left with no other choice but to set up a GoFundMe page after going £150,000 over budget on their dream home renovation. Mary and Sean Davies have spent more than four years transforming a Second World War water tower into a seven-bedroom, four bathroom property. They bought more than an acre of land at the disused RAF Hospital Nocton Hall site for £25,000 in 2018 but the project has not been without its problems. Mary, 57, and Sean, 55, took on the huge conversion of the 1940s water tower in Lincolnshire in 2021 and had an £350,000 budget but the money soon ran out. The couple, who have five children and five grandchildren, were forced to temporarily live in a caravan while the site was uninhabitable and the issues didn't stop there. After "unforeseen" renovation costs pushed them well over budget, they set up a GoFundMe page for support to finish the build, which they believe will now cost around £500,000. So far, just over £6,000 has been raised but they hope that the work will now be completed by the end of summer, with only the renovations on the top three floors of the five-storey tower going ahead. Following Sean's diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND) in March 2023, an incurable condition that progressively damages parts of the nervous system, they are eager to finish the project so he can enjoy the fruits of their labour before his condition worsens, the ManchesterEveningNews report. "The sooner it's all finished, the sooner we can enjoy it," Mary told PA Real Life. "Sean's diagnosis made us even more determined to get the project completed. For him to be able to experience what we have created here in its fullest and reach the top of the tower, he needs to be mobile. He's mobile now, but we don't know how long for." Having previously lived in council properties, the couple were drawn to the RAF site by the abundance of space and privacy it offered, with more than an acre of land included in the sale. "When we arrive home, we go through the big military gates on the site and drive past all the derelict buildings," Sean said. "There's no street lighting, no public access, no neighbours – we're driving through history just to reach our home. When the site finally gets developed, the tower is very likely going to be the only bit which remains." Mary went on: "It's been part of the landscape for the locals since the 40s, it would have been a shame for that to have disappeared. "We're custodians to the water tower, I don't feel like we own it really and, one day, it will be passed onto someone else in the future when we've finished enjoying it." With strong connections to the site, Mary's father worked as a civilian electrician at the hospital and her significant other, Sean, was a patient there at the tender age of seven. Sean said they realised "it would be a fantastic build" if they decided to convert the tower, leading to their efforts to transform the 15m-tall structure into a seven-bedroom, four-bathroom residence. While the main living spaces including the kitchen, lounge, office, gym, utility room, and a toilet are nestled in a modern glass extension, the bedrooms and bathrooms find their place within the tower itself. Mary explained the creation of the glass addition saying: "It was the only way we could get planning permission so it was a little more costly with the glass and the timber frame, but at the end of it we're going to have a seven-bedroom property,". The renovation journey saw Mary and Sean living in a caravan on-site during a brief stint while the water tower was being transformed. They also had to install their own utilities in the once uninhabited space, such as sewage treatment, filtration for drinking water and a heating tank. The tower itself is "not a huge space" width-wise, Mary said, but thanks to its height it has the potential for five floors, with two currently functioning as bedrooms and a bathroom, leaving three left to complete. "We're experiencing now what it's like to sleep in the tower," Mary revealed. "It's the perfect place for a restful sleep, it's absolutely brilliant, and it's a miracle we've been able to do this." To complete the renovation fully, the couple need to finish the tower's conversion, fit a sprinkler system, and round off any plastering, painting and decorating. After Sean was diagnosed with MND in March 2023 during the renovations, they are keen to finish the conversion by summer's end for him to "enjoy" their efforts before his condition deteriorates. Sean shared his experience with an experimental treatment drug called Tofersen, which he credits with helping manage his symptoms, such as weakness and muscle reduction, for around a year. Facing unexpected costs that stretched their budget, the couple set up a GoFundMe page, estimating the total spend on the conversion at about £500,000. "We're really grateful to everyone who has donated," expressed Mary, acknowledging the support they received. "You don't set up a GoFundMe page without a lot of thought and we're just trying to relieve some of the stress on us. Once you start a project like this, you've got to finish it – you can't afford to not finish it because then you've got nothing."
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Rockstar David Roach from Junkyard announces he's been diagnosed with 'very aggressive' cancer
Rockstar David Roach has announced he's been diagnosed with a 'very aggressive' form of cancer in a health update shared on Monday. The musician, who has fronted U.S. heavy metal band Junkyard since 1987, revealed he has squamous cell carcinoma, which is 'affecting his head, neck, and throat'. Last week, David admitted recent results 'completely shattered our world', with the band starting a GoFundMe page to help with medical costs. In an update shared to the band's Instagram, a message from the singer and his fiancee Jennifer read: 'First off, we want to thank you all for the overwhelming support and love you've shown us during this incredibly challenging time. 'We wish we could respond to each of you, but honestly, there are no words right now. We're still struggling to process the news we received on Tuesday. 'After David's ongoing fever and cough led us to the ER, we got results that have completely shattered our world.' They continued: 'It's devastating and life-altering, and we're trying to navigate through the emotions and uncertainty that come with it. 'David is showing such incredible strength and resilience, and even in the midst of this darkness, he's still managing to keep his sense of humor. It's a reminder of how amazing he is. 'But we know this journey ahead will be extremely tough, David made it clear he is not giving up hope and we're going to need all of your love and prayers. 'Thank you for standing by us. Your kindness and support mean everything to us. Please keep David in your thoughts as we take this one step at a time.' Fundraiser: The band has started a GoFundMe to help with medical costs for David Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in the squamous cells, which are found on the surface of the skin and in the lining of many organs. It often develops in sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, neck, and back, but can occur anywhere on the body. If caught early, the five-year survival rate is around 99 per cent. But when the cancer has spread beyond the skin or origin site, the five-year survival rate drops to less than 50 per cent. Around 1.8million Americans are diagnosed per year and up to 15,000 die from the disease. A statement previously published by the band read: 'As many of you know, David who is a friend to all is in the fight of his life battling aggressive squamous cell carcinoma affecting his head, neck, and throat. 'Currently David requires around the clock care and supervision. David's fiancee Jennifer has had to step away from traditional employment to become his full time care giver. 'While they have applied for disability and full time caregivers assistance it is an extremely long waiting period to go through the processing and receive approval. This has put them in a dire situation. 'This has been a devastating blow for David especially after he finally found happiness, stability, and things were going well for him.'
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The 7 signs of ‘very aggressive' cancer after rock star's cough led to shock diagnosis
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ROCK star David Roach has been diagnosed with a "very aggressive" form of cancer after symptoms of a 'fever and a cough'. The musician and his fiancée Jennifer say their world has been "shattered" by the news. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Singer David Roach, who has been diagnosed with cancer, and drummer Patrick Muzingo of Junkyard perform onstage at the Cathouse Festival on August 15, 2015 in Irvine, California Credit: Getty 4 David's wife and bandmates are asking people to help pay for medical treatments on GoFundMe Credit: instagram 4 A photo accompanying a message on the Junkyard Instagram shows David in a gown while lying in a hospital bed and hooked up to oxygen Credit: instagram As part of a statement shared in an Instagram caption, Jennifer said: 'We're still struggling to process the news we received on Tuesday. 'After David's ongoing fever and cough led us to the ER, we got results that have completely shattered our world. 'It's devastating and life-altering, and we're trying to navigate through the emotions and uncertainty that come with it.' A photo accompanying the message shows David in a gown while lying in a hospital bed and hooked up to oxygen. The band has launched a GoFundMe while also confirming David is 'battling aggressive squamous cell carcinoma affecting his head, neck, and throat'. This would suggest that David has head and neck cancer, of which squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type. While coughing and fever are not specific symptoms to head and neck cancer, they are among the most common cancer signs. Head and neck cancers can occur in more than 30 parts of head and neck, including the mouth, throat, nose, sinuses, ears and salivary glands. They are often referred to as the type of cell they start in. About nine out of 10 head and neck cancers start in squamous cells - cells that line the surfaces inside the head and neck, such as the mouth, nose and throat. Common bacteria in the mouth can 'melt up to 99% of cancer cells' and could lead to new treatments But many people might be more familiar with squamous cell carcinoma of the skin - one of the most common forms of skin cancer. Dr Jonathan Kentley, an NHS dermatologist at London's Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, told Sun Health: "The majority of SCCs occur in the skin and are usually caused by long-term sun exposure, or exposure to HPV in the genital region. "However, SCC can also develop in other parts of that body that contain squamous cells such as the mouth and throat, lungs and cervix. "In the mouth, throat, SCC is often caused by smoking or exposure to the HPV [human papillomavirus]." The main risk factors for head and neck cancer are smoking and alcohol, especially when combined, Macmillan Cancer Support says. HPV is a group of viruses affecting the skin that don't cause problems for most people but can develop genital warts or cancer - their link to cervical cancer is well documented. But certain high-risk strains of HPV can also cause anal, penile, vulval and vaginal cancer, as well as some types of head and neck cancer. Head and neck cancer is also much more common in men than in women. In the UK, almost 13,000 cases are diagnosed each year, making it the 8th most common cancer, and there are 4,143 deaths. Cancer Research UK says that since the early 1990s, head and neck cancer incidence rates have increased by more than a third (35 per cent). 4 Watch out for these signs and speak to your doctor or dentist if you see them Rates in females have increased by almost half (47 per cent), and rates in males have increased by almost a quarter (23 per cent). A report by University of Sheffield scientists in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care in 2024 made the same warning, saying that the surge in these diseases was largely driven by an uptick in oropharyngeal cancer. Figures show there were 3,834 new cases of oropharyngeal cancer in 2019, a 47 per cent increase from 2013. "There has been an increase in the number of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers in the last two decades, particularly in males," the Sheffield researchers noted. HPV is passed on through close skin-to-skin contact during sex, as well as vaginal, anal and oral sex, the NHS says. Ali Khurram, a professor and honorary consultant pathologist at the University of Sheffield, said: "Although head and neck cancer is one of the most common cancers in England with a significantly worse survival compared to other cancers, its awareness among the public, health professionals and funding organisations is poor." Symptoms to watch for The symptoms depend on where the cancer started in the head or neck. Dr Kentley says: "In non-skin SCC, symptoms can include pain, difficulty swallowing, a lump in the throat or bleeding when coughing. If you experience any of these symptoms it is important to see a doctor." Macmillan Cancer Support advises you to speak to your dentist or GP if you have any of the following symptoms: An ulcer anywhere in the mouth area, including your tongue, lasting for more than three weeks A red patch (erythroplakia) or red and white patch (erythroleukoplakia) anywhere inside the mouth A white patch on its own (leukoplakia) anywhere inside the mouth A lump in the neck that does not go away after two to three weeks A lump on the lip or anywhere inside the mouth that doesn't go away A sore tongue that is not getting better Throat pain, persistent hoarseness and difficulty swallowing that's not improving Macmillan Cancer says certain symptoms will see you referred to a specialist within two weeks, such as a persistent ulcer. Any of the symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer. But it's important to seek advice about any of them. Cancer is always more easily treatable if it's spotted early. Skin cancer A squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that can occur in a number of parts of the body, including the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer is the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK. SCC accounts for 23 per cent of all non-melanma skin cancers, which account for 90 per cent of all cancers. Symptoms of his disease typically start on the skin, however - but can be mistaken for spots, age spots or scabs. Dr Kentley said: "In the skin, early signs of SCC can be quite subtle such as a scaly bump or a spot that isn't healing. "Left unchecked the lesions can grow causing pain and bleeding, and even spread to other parts of your body causing swelling in the lymph nodes (found in the neck, armpits and groin) or even the lung which can cause breathlessness or liver which can cause stomach pain. "For skin SCC, around 95 per cent of cases can be cured with surgery to remove the lesion, however in five per cent of cases, SCC requires other treatments such as radiotherapy, immunotherapy or chemotherapy."
