Mum Emma Hickey, 42, is critically ill in hospital after falling head-first down the stairs while on a family holiday in Tenerife – but her family say she is ‘fighting strong’
The family of a mum fighting for her life after a horror fall at a Tenerife hotel have issued an emotional new update. Emma Hickey was on holiday with her partner Stephen Brougham and their two children when she collapsed and tumbled head-first down the stairs, leaving her critically ill in hospital.
The 42-year-old carer’s injuries included a brain haemorrhage and multiple neck fractures, and saw her put into an induced coma. She remains unconscious in intensive care. Her family – who are still with her in Spain – now face an agonising wait to see when Emma might be well enough to be flown home for treatment, and have started a GoFundMe page to help pay towards costs after running into problems with her travel insurance provider.
Her collapse, which was followed by a series of convulsions, is believed to have been caused by an infection from mosquito bites. She went to see a doctor on the 10th day of their 12-day holiday after developing a severe reaction to the bites, and was given an injection.
Despite feeling under the weather, Emma was determined to make the most of the holiday for her family’s sake, but suffered the fall on June 23 while on her way to visit a chemist.
Because of the seriousness of her injuries, the family say doctors have told them her recovery “will be long, uncertain, and incredibly challenging”.
Now, in a new update on the GoFundMe page, Emma’s family revealed her infection is beginning to clear – and said she is “fighting strong”.
Karen Whelan, who is organising the fundraiser, wrote: “We just wanted to say the biggest, most heartfelt thank you from Stephen, Sophie, Bobby, Emma’s sisters, family, and friends.
“We’ve been blown away by the generosity, kind messages and support from friends, family, and strangers. Seeing so many people rally around Emma has been incredibly moving and uplifting during a tough time.
“Emma is making small progress day-by-day. While she has not yet woken up, she is fighting strong, and the infections are clearing a little bit each day. She has a long way to go, but we are confident that the outpouring of love and support is keeping her strong and fighting.”
She also said that the neurologist is “happy” for her to be transferred to a hospital in their home country of Ireland “once she has a full medical team accompanying her.”
The family are now hoping to arrange a specialist air ambulance “in the next week or so.”
Karen explained the travel insurance company Emma used “are being quite difficult”, making matters more complicated, but said the “continuing support from everyone” is keeping the family going. “Emma is fighting hard right along with us”, she added.
The fundraiser has so far raised over €65,000 (£56,000) of a €70,000 (£60,000) target.