Northampton woman stranded in Cayman Islands after being rushed to intensive care
“We are so grateful for every donation, share and kind message. Thank you for helping us be there for our girl.”
A Northamptonshire woman has been stranded in the Cayman Islands after becoming seriously ill.
Jessica Rigby was on holiday when she fell ill, and was taken to hospital where she was placed on the intensive care unit. She was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot on the lungs, and a diabetic emergency. Jessica is also coeliac, which doctors say makes her care and recovery even more complicated.
Jessica was due to fly home earlier last week, but is still in hospital undergoing treatment.
Her parents Mark and Mandy have rushed to the islands, in the Caribbean, to take care of their daughter.
Mark said: “Jessica was due to fly home on 26 October, but doctors told us she is not fit to travel. Even once she is discharged, she cannot be left on her own while she recovers.
“As any parent would, we are flying out to be with her, look after her, and bring her home when it is safe.
“Because of the clot, we don't yet know when she will be cleared to fly, so we are booking one way and will return as soon as her doctors say she is ready.”
The couple are appealing for support to help cover the costs of reaching their daughter and taking care of her until she is cleared to fly again.
Jessica has travel insurance which the family believe will cover medical bills, but not the cost of them travelling to be with her.
They have set their fundraising target at £14,100, which they say will cover the costs of things like flights, accommodation, a car for hospital visits and care for their dog while they are out of the country.
Mark added: “This has all happened very suddenly, and the costs of getting to Jessica and staying with her are far beyond what we can manage alone.
“She’s a little overwhelmed with everything, alongside her coeliac disease it’s a lot to take in.
“We are so grateful for every donation, share and kind message. Thank you for helping us be there for our girl.”
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-bring-jessica-home-from-the-cayman-islands to donate or find out more.