British teenager battles meningitis in Greece

Millie Bayles, a 19-year-old from Wales, is in intensive care after an ear infection led to meningitis during her holiday.

Teenager critically ill in Greece due to meningitis

Millie Bayles, a 19-year-old from Garth near Llangollen in North Wales, is fighting for her life in an Athens hospital after developing bacterial meningitis from a suspected ear infection. She initially showed symptoms while on holiday in Rhodes, where her health rapidly declined, prompting her transfer to a specialist unit more than 300 miles away in the capital. Her family faced a daunting challenge, as they lacked travel insurance, which led to soaring costs for a medical evacuation and ongoing treatment. Support from the community has been overwhelming, with over 900 people helping them raise £40,000 to facilitate Millie's return to the UK for further recovery.

This tragic situation highlights the critical importance of taking out travel insurance before going on holiday. The rapid deterioration of Millie's health serves as a reminder that unexpected medical emergencies can lead to overwhelming financial burdens, especially when insurance is absent. The community's swift response in fundraising efforts illustrates the compassion that can emerge in dire circumstances, showing that support networks can play a crucial role during times of crisis. Millie's family now faces not only the challenge of her medical recovery but also the significant financial strain that accompanies it.

Highlights

The hope remains that Millie can begin her recovery process in the UK soon.