A grandmother stranded in Turkey with a brain tumor faces emergency surgery where doctors say the best possible outcome is complete paralysis. Gill Taylor-Scarth, 56, from Formby, collapsed during what was meant to be a family holiday to honor her late husband's memory.
The trip to Turkey was planned by Gill's husband Kevin Scarth, 65, who died in December 2024. Kevin had arranged the fortnight-long family holiday to Hisaronu as something for relatives to look forward to, but tragically passed away before he could join them.
Family tragedy unfolds
Just one month after Kevin's death, Gill discovered she had a large brain tumor after losing her hearing. Despite her diagnosis in January, doctors at Southport Hospital cleared her as "fit to fly" and she traveled to Turkey in June without incident.
The family returned to Turkey on August 15 for a second holiday. Gill had spent £700 on comprehensive travel insurance and was again medically cleared for travel after steroid treatment reduced brain swelling.
Medical emergency abroad
Gill appeared well for the first few days but gradually became unsteady and complained of headaches. On August 23, she became severely ill and could not keep food down, prompting the family to call a doctor to their hotel.
Medical professionals immediately hospitalized Gill at a local private facility before transferring her to Antalya Hospital, three hours from their holiday location. Turkish doctors confirmed she requires urgent surgery on a tumor pressing against her brain stem.
Teenager handles crisis alone
Only Gill's youngest daughter Rosie, 17, could accompany her to hospital due to visitor restrictions, leaving the teenager to navigate complex medical decisions alone. Sophie Taylor, 25, Gill's daughter, said: "The hospital in Turkey are telling us they need to operate, but nobody speaks English and my 17-year-old sister is having to deal with everything alone."
Sophie explained the devastating prognosis: "We've been told there is only a slight chance she will survive the surgery if they do it and the best outcome is that she will be completely paralysed because of where the tumour is."
Desperate race for repatriation
The family believes Gill's best chance lies with returning to The Walton Centre in Liverpool, where she was receiving treatment. However, a medical evacuation flight costs approximately £50,000, far exceeding typical travel insurance coverage.
Sophie said: "We just want to get her home. I don't want her to die here in Turkey." The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the emergency medical transport.
Sources used: "Liverpool Echo", "Edinburgh Live", "WalesOnline", "Birmingham Mail", "Daily Record", "Manchester Evening News"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
