Family of Dundee teen fighting for life in Spanish hospital say costs are 'crippling'

Bryony Duthie has been in hospital in Spain since Sunday

Bryony Duthie (front left) and mum Stephanie (far left), aunt Brooke Coventry (far right) and Brooke's fiancé Connor (centre right)
Author: Dale EatonPublished 20th Jul 2023

18-year-old Bryony Duthie became severely ill while on holiday in Fuengirola, Spain, and was rushed to hospital on Sunday.

The Dundee teenager is suffering from multiple medical issues including pneumonia on her lung. Her family have been told she is on the strongest antibiotics but her body isn't reacting.

Bryony has suffered with multiple seizures and has twice been put into a coma.

Her mum Stephanie and boyfriend Lewis are by her side in Spain.

Her first two days in hospital cost over ÂŁ13,000.

Her Aunt, Brooke Coventry, has launched a fundraiser to support the family.

She says the costs are "crippling". Brooke said: "We've been so thankful to every single person because, let's just say this wouldn't be possible.

"It costs money and we need to have that money and that money is just absolutely devastating amounts that we don't have.

"It means everything to us and more and we'll never be able to repay people that have donated to this because there's so many. We're so thankful, but, we need more."

The family are aiming to raise ÂŁ65,000 to cover hospital costs and to have Bryony brought back to Dundee. The cost to transport her back to the city of discovery is expected to be ÂŁ33,000.

Since the fundraiser was launched two days ago over ÂŁ25,000 has been raised.

The fundraiser has gathered support across the city, including Dundee FC.

Brooke said: "Bryony is absolutely fighting for her life with every single that she's got. She's only 18. She's stuck in Spain and we need her home in Dundee.

"Bryony has had many health conditions throughout her whole life and it's not been an easy ride for her but that is one of the hardest times in her life right now."

She added:"Bryony actually moved her fingers when they were taking her out of the coma before she was put back in.

"She was squeezing her boyfriends hand which is an incredible thing for someone who was just taken out of it (a coma)."

Brooke says it's a very difficult time for the family. She said: "To be honest it has been absolutely devastating for her family, her friends and every single person that loves her because she's just that special.

"The costs are crippling on Steph's (Bryonys mum Stephanie) mind right now. Her mum needs to be there for her girl and we're looking at massive costs her for Bryony's life.

"It's not been easy at all. It's crushed us all."

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