Christopher Taylor, 62, had flown to the Algarve to see family over Christmas when he collapsed and was rushed to hospital, where it was discovered he had an aggressive brain tumour
A popular dad who collapsed during a walk on Christmas Day is stuck in the Algarve as doctors diagnosed a horrific brain tumour.
Christopher Taylor, flew to Portugal to meet up with his brother George and sister-in-law when he collapsed during a festive stroll, but insisted he was fine. When the 62-year-old failed to get up the next morning, George checked on him and called an ambulance as he feared he had suffered a stroke. However, he was later diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.
Despite having travel insurance, Christopher has been waiting a week to be flown home and does still not know when he will be repatriated back. George said: “He was pretty much paralysed and had very slurred speech.
“He was taken to Faro general hospital where a scan was performed which indicated a large mass on his left frontal lobe. A more detailed investigation was recommended but it could not be performed by the hospital as they didn’t have the facilities.
“He was transferred to Hospital Lusiadas Albufeira, a private hospital, on December 27 [where] an MRI scan showed a large tumour which was aggressive and had led to a secondary tumour. The diagnosis from the doctor given on December 28 was it was inoperable.
“We were told he needs a lumbar puncture but when he has the procedure he can’t be moved for 14 days so we have requested he is repatriated and moved to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital to have it done.
“Chris is currently conscious and comfortable in hospital. That’s all they can do while this aggressive tumour is eating away inside his head. He is feeling frustrated as he’s not in full control of his limbs and movements and has a headache,” he told DevonLive.
His travel insurance provider, Staysure, says although the incident was raised with its emergency assistance company on December 26, it was only notified about the situation yesterday, January 2, when George contacted its CEO directly in desperation. Staysure has confirmed a full investigation has been launched into the incident and has assured it is in the process of arranging the safe repatriation of Christopher.
Christopher’s brother George and the rest of the family remain frustrated by the long wait and are desperately awaiting answers.
A Staysure spokesman said: “Staysure is sorry to hear of Mr Taylor’s ill-health and would like to reassure the family we have taken this matter exceptionally seriously since it was brought to our attention yesterday [January 2]. Our dedicated teams will remain in close contact with Mr Taylor’s brother and continue to support the family while the medical review is underway.
“Staysure has requested a full investigation to understand what has happened since December 26, when the incident was first reported to our emergency assistance company but in the meantime and, as always, our primary focus remains on the welfare and safety of our customer.”
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: “We are supporting a British man who is in hospital in Portugal.”
