Robyn Taylor is stuck in a Spanish hospital after a stroke during Christmas

In September 2023, Robyn Taylor, a 34-year-old British mother from Macclesfield, Cheshire, traveled to Murcia, Spain, to visit her parents, Tony and Karen Sumner. Her holiday took a devastating turn when she collapsed in her bedroom and was rushed to a local hospital. Once admitted, she experienced two brain hemorrhages and underwent a partial skull removal, subsequently spending two weeks in a coma. The stroke left Robyn unable to speak, blind in one eye, and paralyzed on the right side of her body, requiring her to receive nutrition through a tube in her stomach. The family has faced immense emotional upheaval, as Robyn’s condition has varied, with her father reporting days of recognition interspersed with days of unresponsiveness. While they have successfully raised more than £12,500 to cover the costs of her repatriation to the UK for specialized care, they faced significant challenges because her Global Health Insurance Card did not cover the necessary expenses related to her ongoing medical treatment in Spain. Her parents, who have lived in Spain for 15 years, are caring for her 10-year-old daughter Alana during this difficult time. They have tried to shield Alana from the most distressing details regarding her mother's condition while conveying the seriousness of the situation. Robyn's family is particularly concerned about her health, as she had no prior history of stroke symptoms, leading them to seek answers regarding the cause of such a sudden medical crisis at her young age. As they navigate the uncertain road ahead, the family focuses on raising additional funds to ensure Robyn receives life-changing neuro-rehabilitation once back in the UK. Their hope is that her recovery can begin soon, but the emotional toll of witnessing their loved one’s suffering weighs heavily on them, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of health emergencies and the limitations of insurance coverage when unexpected events occur abroad.