A Welsh family is urgently seeking support after a holiday in Greece turned into a distressing health emergency for 67-year-old Alan Kirby. What began as a relaxing trip intended for rest and enjoyment quickly descended into chaos when Alan was struck by a serious illness that has left him stranded in a Greek hospital, facing both pneumonia and a possible cancer diagnosis.
Alan, along with his family, travelled to Greece on 3 July, hoping for a summer break. However, within days, he became unwell and sought medical attention at a local clinic on 6 July. Initial assessments indicated a chest infection, for which he was prescribed antibiotics. Unfortunately, Alan’s condition soon deteriorated, revealing a far graver prognosis once he arrived at a larger hospital in Athens.
Medical staff reportedly delivered the devastating news bluntly, informing Alan and his family that his symptoms were unlikely to be resolved by antibiotics if cancer was involved. The only route to a clear diagnosis is a biopsy, but this can only be performed in the UK, highlighting the urgency of his return. Alan’s insurance has, so far, been sufficient to cover his transfer between hospitals in Greece, but not the critical cost of bringing him back home for further diagnosis and treatment.
Alan’s step-daughter, Liza Whitmore, has become the main organiser of his care and fundraising effort. Having returned to the UK while Alan remains hospitalised, she describes the family’s desperate race against time: “We need to get him home if it is cancer — time is not on our side.” Liza has appealed for assistance from the British Embassy, who expressed sympathy but were unable to provide funding. The embassy instead suggested that the family launch a public fundraising campaign.
So far, well-wishers have donated over £1,700, but this sum falls far short of the overall expenses required. The bill from Athens Hospital alone exceeds €14,000, with half due immediately and the rest scheduled for August. Additionally, significant funds are still necessary to cover the cost of Alan’s medical repatriation flight.
The family’s plight is a sobering reminder of the complex challenges that can arise while travelling abroad, particularly regarding health and insurance. Liza candidly admits they did not disclose Alan’s previous benign tumour when applying for travel insurance, believing it was irrelevant. This oversight has now come back to haunt them, as it invalidated their insurance coverage at the very moment they needed it most.
Recognising the importance of adequate preparation, Liza is encouraging other travellers to learn from their experience. She stresses the value of carrying a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), being fully truthful on insurance applications, and ensuring a ‘fit to fly’ certificate is obtained when necessary. “I didn’t even know about ‘fit to fly’,” she admits, reflecting on how a simple oversight can have dire consequences. These certificates are required for passengers with specific medical conditions and can be critical in validating insurance and boarding clearance.
Alan’s story has touched the hearts of many, and his family urge anyone in a position to help to contribute to their fundraising effort, which remains ongoing. The situation highlights not just the personal anguish suffered by families caught out by medical emergencies overseas, but also the need for greater awareness about the complexities and limitations of travel insurance.
As Alan continues to battle his health issues far from home, his family remains hopeful that they will soon raise enough to bring him back to the UK for the urgent medical care he desperately needs. Their ordeal underscores the fragility of travel plans in the face of unexpected illness, and the importance of meticulous planning to protect oneself from such predicaments.