The family of a man stuck in a Canary Island hospital after having three heart attacks on holiday have launched a £30,000 crowdfunding bid to get him home.
Martin Blake, 71, from Mold, suffered the attacks in February during a holiday to boost the family’s spirits after the death of his wife Vera.
His daughter Michelle Sullivan says Spanish doctors and those acting for Mr Blake’s insurers disagree about whether he should be moved.
But, at her father’s request, they have now launched a bid to get him home via the crowdfunding appeal, which has so far raised £195.
Miss Sullivan told the Daily Post: “We have started the crowdfunder to help with the escalating costs.
“Dad’s been out there since February 11 and either myself or my sister has been with him constantly.
“Although the insurance have paid for many things, such as accommodation, there are still travel costs, car hire and taxis etc.
“The air ambulance will cost anything up to £30,000. Some are more. Dad has decided that he wants to take his chances getting home rather than remain in the hospital with no end in sight.
“He’s depressed and anxious and his mobility has been severely impacted.
“Although we cannot fault the care the Spanish have provided at all, he feels he would be better all round in the British NHS.”
Miss Sullivan, her partner Martin and her two children took her father to Lanzarote after 72-year-old Mrs Blake passed away with stomach cancer in October.
On February 11, Mr Blake was rushed to Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa in Arrecife after suffering a heart attack.
He then suffered two more attacks, and Miss Sullivan said her father was told he needed urgent treatment in Gran Canaria or he could die within four weeks.
The family have been in constant contact with insurers Travel Insurance Facilities Plc (TIFGroup), Delyn MP David Hanson and the British consulate in a bid to secure further treatment.
Insurers TIFGroup have accepted liability for Mr Blake’s medical expenses but disagree with local doctors, who say he should be moved for further treatment now.
A spokeswoman for TIFGroup said: “It is, in our team of doctors’ most considered view, not recommended, for medical reasons, that Mr Blake be transferred at this time.
“Our only consideration and priority is Mr Blake’s best medical outcome.”
Mr Blake’s heart was permanently damaged by his heart attacks and the family were told by Spanish doctors he needs cardiac catheterisation, which involves passing a camera through his veins to inspect his heart.
Doctors suggested he be sent to a cardiac treatment centre in Gran Canaria but there is a waiting list.
Miss Sullivan was told via an email from TIFGroup it has “grave reservations” about sending Mr Blake to a private hospital due to lack of facilities, and feel waiting for a space in the Gran Canaria cardiac treatment centre is in Mr Blake’s best medical interests.
It added: “In summary, whilst we should all like your father to be transferred as soon as possible, only timing and his condition will determine his transfer.”
Their MP David Hanson said he has been in constant contact with the local British Consulate and the insurance company.
He said: “This is a very difficult time for the family and the red tape in sorting his treatment out is simply not helping.”
To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/getmartinhome?utm_id=106&utm_term=JPB6Wq2jb.
