Anne Morris died on holiday in Turkey just days after getting the all-clear from cancer (Image: Family handout/Liverpool Echo)
A gran died on holiday in Turkey just days after getting the all-clear from cancer. Anne Morris, from Knowsley, Merseyside, had battled lung cancer for two years before finally receiving the good news she was hoping for.
She jetted off to the popular seaside resort of Icmeler the day after she found out to celebrate her best friend’s birthday. But what should have been a happy holiday ended in tragedy when Anne went into cardiac arrest three days after arriving.
Despite desperate attempts by husband, Alan, and paramedics to save her, she suffered a second cardiac arrest while on life support and died in hospital on Thursday (October 29). She was 64.
The family say they now face a huge bill as Anne’s travel insurance was rendered invalid after she failed to declare previous medical conditions, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and cataracts.
Her loved ones are now desperately trying to raise money to cover a £33,500 hospital bill and the cost of repatriating her body, the Liverpool Echo reports.
Anne’s son, Lee McMurrie, 42, told the Echo the family were “elated” when they received the news she was cancer-free, adding: “I was ecstatic. She had her life back and I thought I’d got my mum back.”
Lee said his mum spent three wonderful days in Turkey before tragedy struck.
Alan, 67, said he had been sleeping in their hotel room after the celebrations when he felt Anne climbing out of bed. Moments later, he heard “an almighty shout”.
He said: “I ran as fast as I could. When I got to her, she couldn’t breathe at all. I tried my best. I tried to resuscitate her and get her the nebuliser at the same time. I was helpless.
“I let go for a second and screamed all over the hotel. Luckily enough, the night manager heard me and phoned for an ambulance. I was absolutely frantic, screaming and crying.”
Paramedics arrived within seven minutes and Anne was rushed to hospital where she was admitted to intensive care. Doctors later told the family their loved one showed no signs of brain activity.
Despite being warned there was virtually no prospect of recovery, Anne’s family refused to lose hope.
Lee said: “The staff in the hospital were telling us she had no chance of survival, but we didn’t believe it. Mum was a warrior. She beat cancer. She was the matriarch of the family. We were convinced she was going to wake up.”
But the family was dealt another crushing blow when Alan received a call from the hospital at 9.52am on October 29, urging him to get there as soon as possible. Anne had suffered another cardiac arrest and was unable to fight on.
The family said they now find themselves under enormous financial strain. Lee revealed they were initially told Anne would need to be repatriated by air ambulance while still on life support, at an estimated cost of between £130,000 and £150,000, on top of the existing hospital fees.
After the mum of six’s death, repatriation costs have dropped to £2,600, but the family said the hospital bill has reached £33,500, with bosses asking for half the outstanding sum before Anne’s body can be released.
Lee said the family was charged about £3,500 a day for the two weeks Anne spent in intensive care.
Anne (left) suffered a fatal heart attack three days into her trip to Turkey (Image: Family handout/Liverpool Echo)
He added: “The British Consulate say they can’t help us. The insurance say they can’t help us. We flew out to make sure my dad was okay, but we’ve spent every penny being over here.”
Anne’s family have described her as the heart of the family and a woman whose warmth left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Lee described his mum as having an “infectious” personality and said “Nanny Annie” had 23 grandchildren whom she adored.
He said: “She was an amazing lady. Everyone that met her fell in love with her and she was so involved in the community. Every person that met her wanted her phone number…
“She was the person I’d lean on all the time, for a kiss, a cuddle, someone to talk to. She was always on the other end of the phone. When she was told she had cancer, she never once complained or cried. She was just an outstanding lady.”
Alan described Anne as his “world” and his “rock”. Despite living apart, he said the two spent time together each and every day.
The family are now appealing on GoFundMe for support to bring Anne back to Liverpool.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
