Campaign to bring home woman following stroke
By Mary Dennehy
A FUNDRAISING campaign has been started to help bring home a woman who is stranded in Spain following a stroke, which has left her paralysed on the right side of her body.
Annette Tyrrell (62) was on holidays with her family when she fell ill 12 days ago and, after being released from a Spanish hospital after one week, is now being cared for by her loved ones in a small apartment – which is not equipped for her needs.
Annette Tyrrell
While Annette, who is diabetic, did have an E111 form, which provides for medical care, she did not have holiday insurance – which could have helped bring the Lucan woman home.
Speaking with The Echo, Annette’s daughter-in-law Louise Tyrrell said: “We couldn’t believe it when the hospital said they were discharging her, they said her medical needs were met . . . and that it was rehabilitation from here on in.
“She is paralysed down the right side of her body and has no speech.
“She is slowly getting a few words back, she has three or four words, but they are very slurred and she is incontinent and needs a wheelchair.
“The family did put up a fight to try and keep her in hospital, but she was released to a tiny apartment in 37 degree heat and is being cared for by her family who have no knowledge of how to care for a stroke victim.
“We have no back-up . . . we’ve even had to hire a wheelchair.”
According to Louise, it takes two people to care for Annette at any one time, with the family trying their best to source information and advice on caring for a stroke patient online.
Annette’s daughter Kellie Tyrrell Farrell, who is from Cushlawn, Tallaght, is also by her mother’s side providing 24-hour care and comfort.
“It’s just so sad, we’re all in shock really”, Louise said.
“The whole situation is devastating, we didn’t know what to do and we’ve dried up all of our funds paying for flights to get people over and back . . . and buy eqiupment for her while there.
“In hindsight, yes, we should have gotten holiday insurance.
“However, no one expects this to happen [when away on holidays].
“We just want to get Annette home now.”
People have been amazing
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money to get the mother-of-two home, and as of yesterday evening (Thursday, August 30) more than €10,000 had been donated.
Due to Annette’s condition she cannot fly home on a regular flight, so the family is investigating a number of options such as hiring a medical team to accompany Annette home on a suitable flight.
“People have been amazing”, Louise said.
“We didn’t know what we were going to do, but now we know we can get her home thanks to the people of Ireland.
“Annette is confused, but she is still Annette and the whole family is so grateful for people’s generosity and kindness.”
On Wednesday, the family also made contact with a charity nurse organisation, which is offering some support to Annette and her family.
To support Annette, donate HERE
