A north-east couple are facing spiralling medical costs of £11,000 after becoming stranded in Florida.
Derek and Linda Mutch spent last night in a Fort Lauderdale hospital – desperately trying to work out a way to get back home to Peterhead.
In the meantime, friends in the north-east have rallied around and launched a fundraiser to help cover the growing bill.
The couple had been on a once-in-a-lifetime Caribbean cruise, and were preparing to head home when Mrs Mutch fell ill.
The dream trip was planned after Mrs Mutch, 68, who is confined to a wheelchair, underwent surgery to regain some of her mobility.
But days before they were due to fly home, she fell ill – and was diagnosed with a heart murmur and two separate strains of the flu virus.
Now they have been told they may not be able to fly home without the assistance of a nurse.
And because the couple had not declared any medical conditions when applying for travel insurance, they will have to foot the bill. So far they owe the hospital £10,500.
Last night, Mr Mutch said he was in talks with his insurance firm about returning home at their expense and then making repayments.
The 49-year-old added: “Towards the end she started to get a bit tired, but I just put it down to the fact we were exploring the ship and doing things.
“It’s been a disaster ever since. My wife took ill, and she said to call 911 because of her health problems.
“They arrived in about five minutes and took her to A&E. They told her she had heart murmurs and two strains of the flu, and I ended up collapsing from the shock, so I was also taken in to A&E.They charged me $600 (£432).”
Since the ordeal, Mr Mutch has hit the limit on a credit card to pay back their increasing bills.
Pal Daniel Strachan, an electrical compliance manager for FES, has launched a fundraiser for the pair. He said Mr Mutch is the kind of person “that would do anything for anyone”.
He added: “I just want to help as much as possible, even if it’s just enough to get them a flight home from London to Aberdeen, or get them a hotel.”
So far, about £500 has been raised of his £11,000 target. Sandra Forbes, who has donated towards the cause, said she was “thinking” of the couple. Brian Bell, who also pledged money, added: “Fantastic idea, mate.”
The fundraising page can be found at www.gofundme.com/bzfe8w-get-me-home