A young Irish mother is in a critical condition in Tenerife after an infection from a mosquito bite caused her to collapse, resulting in a serious head injury.
Emma Hickey, from Kilbarrack in County Dublin, had been enjoying a family holiday on the island when the ordeal began. The mother-of-two is currently in an induced coma in a hospital in Tenerife, with doctors warning that her recovery is likely to be long, uncertain, and extremely challenging.
Friends of Emma have described how what was meant to be a well-deserved break has now turned into a nightmare. “Our beautiful Emma is critically ill in Tenerife. What was meant to be a well-earned family holiday and a break from day-to-day life has turned into every family’s worst nightmare,” they said.
According to loved ones, mosquito bites led to a worsening infection, which ultimately caused Emma to collapse. She fell onto a tiled pavement, sustaining a severe head injury. Since then, she has remained in an induced coma under close medical supervision.
A fundraising campaign has been launched to support Emma’s family during this difficult time. The appeal, set up on GoFundMe, aims to assist her partner, Stephen Brougham — who is self-employed — and their two children, Sophie and Bobby, as they remain by her side in Tenerife.
The organiser of the fundraiser said: “We, Emma’s family and friends, are asking for your help to support Emma’s partner Stephen and their kids while they stay by Emma’s side. This will help with everyday expenses so they can focus on the long road to recovery ahead.
“Anything you can contribute will make a difference. Even sharing the page and keeping Emma in your thoughts will help the family enormously at this time.”
In just a few hours after being set up, the ‘Emma Hickey’ GoFundMe page has already raised €52,000 of its €70,000 target. The response has been a testament to the outpouring of support from family, friends, and the wider community, all rallying together to stand by Emma and her loved ones.
Tourists and residents across the Canary Islands have also been urged to take precautions against mosquito bites, especially during the warmer months when cases of bite-related infections can rise.
For those wishing to support the family, the GoFundMe page can be found by searching for ‘Emma Hickey’ on the platform.
