What was meant to be a relaxing family vacation in sunny Tenerife has taken a devastating turn for a Dublin family.
Emma Hickey, a 42-year-old mum of two, is now fighting for her life after a shocking and unexpected accident that has left her in an induced coma.
Emma, her partner Stephen Brougham, and their two children, Sophie (13) and Bobby (7), had set off for a 12-day summer escape to Costa Adeje on June 13.
Like many families, they were just hoping for sun, sea, and precious memories. But just 10 days into their trip, everything changed.
A Sudden Illness from Mosquito Bites
It all started with what seemed like a bad reaction to mosquito bites.
Emma woke up one morning covered in dozens of them — itchy, sore, and eventually turning into bruises.
Feeling unwell, she visited a local hospital where she was given some injections to treat the reaction.
Despite feeling drained and sick for the next few days, Emma pushed herself to enjoy the rest of the holiday for the sake of her children.
According to Stephen, she was doing her best to “soldier through” and not let the kids miss out on the final days of their break.
The Fall That Changed Everything
On June 23, as the family was heading out to a pharmacy, Emma suddenly told Stephen she felt dizzy while walking down the hotel stairs.
Without any warning, she collapsed and fell head-first onto a concrete step.
It was a terrifying moment.
Stephen described the scene as “horrific” — watching his partner pass out, convulsing on the stairs, and not even putting out her arms to break the fall.
He immediately called for an ambulance, and Emma was rushed to the hospital.
A Bleed on the Brain and Neck Fractures
Doctors ran emergency tests and quickly discovered the seriousness of Emma’s injuries.
A CT scan revealed a brain bleed and multiple neck fractures.
She was taken into surgery, and doctors found blood clots that had been building pressure in her brain.
Emma has since been placed in an induced coma and remains in intensive care.
Doctors are still uncertain about the full impact of the injuries and how she’ll recover once she wakes up.
Trying to Stay Strong While Stranded Abroad
For Stephen and the children, the ordeal has been overwhelming.
They’re now stuck in Tenerife with no clear idea of when Emma will be well enough to fly home.
And while they do have travel insurance, the hospital and other expenses are piling up quickly.
Stephen, a self-employed plasterer, is now searching for alternative and more affordable accommodation for himself and the kids, as the hotel they’re currently in is too expensive to stay long term.
Medical costs are rising fast — the hospital charges about $1,400 per day.
Friends Rally Around With Support
Thankfully, family friends have stepped up and launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Stephen and the children as they try to navigate this emotionally and financially draining crisis.
The response has been heartwarming, with many people reaching out to help.
Stephen said, “The support has been overwhelming.
We’re lucky to have friends and family like this.
But this could be a long road, and we don’t want to leave her behind.
We have to stay here with her, no matter how long it takes.”
A Wake-Up Call About Mosquito Risks
Reflecting on everything that’s happened, Stephen is urging others to take insect bites seriously and not overlook the importance of travel insurance.
“It’s incredible how something as small as a mosquito can cause so much damage,” he said.
He admitted they hadn’t even considered using repellent during the trip.
“We go away all the time and never thought to worry about it.
But now I’d tell anyone — pack repellent and get a solid travel insurance plan. It can make all the difference.”
What Comes Next?
As Emma remains in intensive care, her loved ones wait anxiously by her side.
Doctors continue to monitor her condition, but her full recovery timeline is still unclear.
For now, Stephen, Sophie, and Bobby are focused on staying strong and staying together.
They’re hoping the insurance will come through and that Emma will soon be stable enough to make the journey home.
But until then, they’re relying on the kindness of strangers, the support of loved ones, and the hope that Emma will wake up and recover fully.