### Traumatised Family Remains Stranded After Holiday Catastrophe Leaves Mother in Tenerife Coma
A family holiday meant to offer sun and relaxation has instead ended in despair, after 42-year-old Emma Hickey, a mother of two from Dublin, remains in a coma in Tenerife following a severe fall at her hotel. The incident has left her partner, Stephen Brougham, and their young children stranded abroad, facing uncertain medical costs and a prolonged recovery far from home.
Emma and Stephen, who travelled to Costa Adeje with their children Sophie, 13, and Bobby, 7, began their Spanish getaway on June 13 in search of family fun and rest. Yet, the trip quickly took a dark turn. Just ten days into their holiday, Emma awoke with what she described as an unusually severe bout of mosquito bites. Hoping for a quick solution, she visited a local hospital, where her symptoms perplexed medical staff. The bites were reportedly unlike anything the hospital had encountered before, but Emma was discharged with medication in hand.
Despite feeling increasingly unwell, Emma was determined to make the most of the family holiday, continuing to participate in activities for the sake of her children. Stephen recalled her resilience, noting that although she masked her discomfort, it was clear she was not herself. Each day, she pushed through, never fully recovering from the effects of the bites.
The 23rd of June proved particularly harrowing. That morning, Emma awoke feeling worse than before, leading her to rest while Stephen took their children out. Later, feeling somewhat improved, Emma opted to walk to a nearby pharmacy rather than returning to hospital. It was during this short stroll, as the family descended the hotel’s back staircase, that disaster unfolded – Emma suddenly complained of dizziness before collapsing and tumbling head-first down the concrete steps.
Stephen’s account of the accident is chilling. He watched in horror as his partner not only fell, but began convulsing on the hard stairs, the violent episode leaving him deeply traumatised. Immediate action was taken; emergency services rushed Emma to hospital, where scans soon revealed the gravity of her injuries: a brain haemorrhage coupled with several neck fractures.
Doctors swiftly operated to alleviate clotting and pressure on Emma’s brain, later placing her in an induced coma in the intensive care unit. The prognosis remains uncertain, as medical staff caution there may be secondary complications once she emerges from the coma. For now, Stephen faces a distressing wait for any signs of improvement.
The family’s ordeal is further compounded by financial anxiety. Trapped abroad with his children, Stephen has had to seek alternative accommodation while attempting to maintain a semblance of normalcy for Sophie and Bobby. With Emma hospitalised in an expensive private clinic and the daily costs reportedly reaching $1,400, the family’s reliance on their travel insurance policy has become crucial. However, Stephen admits that the insurer is yet to guarantee coverage, pending a thorough review of Emma’s medical history.
In light of their difficult plight, friends and relatives have rallied by establishing a GoFundMe campaign aimed at alleviating the immediate financial pressures on the family. The outpouring of support has been a lifeline, with Stephen expressing immense gratitude: “The support has been overwhelming and incredible. We’re lucky to have friends and family like that. This is going to be a long process—we don’t know when she’ll be able to come home.”
He has since urged holidaymakers to approach travel with greater caution, specifically with regards to health precautions. The family had not considered the potential severity of insect bites, and Stephen now advises others to invest in repellent and comprehensive insurance, warning that “a little insect can cause a vast amount of pain and trouble—you never think it will happen to you.”
Emma Hickey remains in intensive care as her loved ones keep vigil at her bedside. The community continues to send messages of support, and the fundraising initiative remains open to those who wish to assist during this protracted and distressing ordeal.
Stephen’s experience stands as a stark reminder: holidays abroad can turn in an instant, underscoring the importance of preparation, insurance, and vigilance against even the smallest threats. The family’s hope now rests on Emma’s recovery and the generosity of others who can help them navigate this ‘living nightmare’ far from home.
To support the Hickey family’s fundraiser, visit [Emma’s GoFundMe page](https://www.gofundme.com/f/emma-hickey-kilbarack-d5).