**British Mother Left in Moroccan ICU After Dream Holiday Turns into Nightmare**
A British mother’s relaxing escape to Morocco has taken a dramatic turn, after she fell gravely ill just three days into her holiday and now remains stranded thousands of miles away from her family. Rebecca Russell, 32, from Ellesmere Port near Chester, has spent over a week in an intensive care unit as she battles the severe complications that followed an unexpected illness during her trip.
Ms Russell had travelled to Morocco with her fiancé, Sam Bindley, also 32, and close friends for a much-anticipated getaway. The couple, who share four young children and are due to marry in just a few months, had looked forward to a break away from parental duties to enjoy some much-needed rest at an all-inclusive resort. According to friends, their holiday started blissfully, with photos and cheerful updates shared back home.
However, just three days after arriving on 22 June, Rebecca began to feel unwell. What first appeared to be a run-of-the-mill stomach bug soon spiralled into something far more serious. Speaking to local press, Ms Russell’s close friend Molly Beetson, 31, from Chester, explained that the group initially assumed her illness was a ‘standard sickness bug’, likely caught from food or drink at the resort—a common concern for holidaymakers abroad.
The situation deteriorated quickly. “She was drinking water and even that would come back up, still cold,” Molly recounted. Rebecca started to experience confusion and disorientation, deeply concerning those around her. Despite being given anti-sickness medication by a local doctor, her condition worsened to the point where Sam, her fiancé of twelve years, was forced to call an ambulance.
Admitted to a hospital in Marrakesh, Rebecca was placed in intensive care, where she has remained critically ill for more than a week. Further tests revealed she was suffering from both kidney and liver failure, as well as sepsis—a life-threatening reaction to infection. The family believes that her condition was made worse by her underlying type 1 diabetes, as she struggled to eat or keep food down during her illness.
During her ordeal, hospital rules in Morocco meant that Sam was only permitted brief visits to see her. “She was so confused and scared,” Molly said. “She’s still not fully aware of how serious it was, and it’ll take time for her to come to terms with what’s happened.” For her loved ones, the experience has been traumatising, with the ordeal playing out so far from home and their support network.
The dream holiday was supposed to be a precious escape for both Rebecca and Sam. “They’d been having such a lovely time,” Molly revealed. “It’s been devastating for them both, especially as they were looking forward to a rare child-free break.” With Rebecca’s condition now showing some signs of improvement, the couple have turned their focus to getting home as soon as possible.
Yet, further hurdles remain. Although their insurance is reportedly covering part of the hospital costs, the family has been told that a medical repatriation flight—needed because of Rebecca’s delicate health—comes at an exorbitant price. With uncertainty hanging over both their finances and Rebecca’s recovery, the couple are desperate to return to their children and resume normal life.
Stories like Rebecca’s highlight the unpredictable risks that can accompany even the most well-planned getaways. While travel insurance provides a safety net for many, the experience has been a sobering reminder for her family and friends of the challenges that can arise far from home. Amidst the distress, support is pouring in from loved ones, and the hope is that Rebecca and her fiancé will be safely reunited with their children in the UK within the coming days.
For now, Rebecca’s ordeal remains a cautionary tale for British travellers abroad, underlining the importance of both comprehensive insurance and the unpredictable nature of travel. The family continues to appeal for support and understanding as they navigate the difficult road back to health and home.