Mum suffers 'life-changing' accident while on holiday with friends in Spain

An Irish family are desperately appealing for help after their mum suffered a life-changing medical emergency while on holiday in Spain.

Carol Callaghan, 58, from Charleville, Co. Cork, was enjoying a shopping trip with friends in Alicante when she suddenly collapsed from a cardiac arrest.

She was rushed to hospital, where doctors warned her devastated family that she might not survive. Carol spent a week in a coma before miraculously pulling through. It comes after awarning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.

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But while she remains in intensive care, doctors in Spain have now told her loved ones that they’ve done all they can, and the only hope for her recovery is specialist rehab back home in Ireland.

Her son Jack told of the nightmare on a local radio station, explaining: "She still has a tracheostomy in, so she would need intensive care support for the flight home. Once it’s removed, she’ll need intensive rehab. Time is of the essence.”

The family have launched an urgent GoFundMe appeal after her insurance company refused to cover the cost of an air ambulance and medical team to bring her home, RSVP Live reports. So far, more than €58,000 has been raised, but the costs are expected to run far higher.

Jack described his mum as “having the biggest heart”, before adding: “We just need her home. The sooner she starts rehab, the better chance she has of making a full recovery.”

On their fundraising page, the family wrote: “Carol’s injuries mean she requires long-term rehabilitation and specialist care. Unfortunately, her travel insurance has refused to cover the cost of getting her home to Ireland. We’re reaching out for help. Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly towards her medical flight and ongoing care.”

Carol’s family now face an anxious race against time to raise enough money to bring her home.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.