A family have appealed for help to bring their beloved elderly dad home from Florida after he suffered a stroke on the holiday of a lifetime.
Peter O'Neill, from Tipperary, but who lives in Ballincollig, Co Cork, flew to Miami on May 3 to celebrate his 80th birthday and his 50th wedding anniversary to wife Cathie.
Unfortunately, he became very ill on the plane and was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital on arrival.
Medics found Peter had suffered a haemorraghic stroke and he also developed pneumonia and a pulmonary oedema.
Peter's family are hoping to bring him home to Cork however, his travel insurance will not cover the costs involved.
On a GoFundMe page set up to cover the expenses, daughter Karen wrote: "He is now stable but has no movement on his left side. We need to get him home as soon as possible so that he can start his rehabilitation.
"Unfortunately, the insurance company that had provided a policy for Dad has declined his claim and will not cover any of his costs. This means that Dad is liable for all medical and travel costs.
"In order to reduce the risk of Dad having a second haemorrhagic stroke on the flight home, the neurologist has temporarily taken him off other necessary medication.
"The only way to reduce the risks that he now faces, is to get him back to Ireland and back on this necessary medication.
"Dad will need medical assistance throughout the flight home, which means we have to arrange for a medical practitioner to fly to Miami and escort him home on the plane with all necessary medical equipment.
"It is our priority to get Dad home safely and we appreciate any support that can be offered as we face this challenging situation."
So far, the family have raised €19,360 out of a €40,000 goal and are hoping Peter will be fit to travel this weekend.
It was originally hoped Peter would be able to travel home with Cathie today but daughter Karen told The Irish Daily Mirror that his flight had to be rebooked.
She explained: "We had to rebook him on a plane for Sunday arriving in Dublin on Monday so that he can be escorted by two nurses and all necessary medical equipment."
His wife Cathie thanked donors for their support, writing: "I cannot think of any words that can express my gratitude to family, friends, neighbours, strangers everyone from Ballincollig, Scotland, Ardfinnan 'Cork & Tipp United' and all over U.S.A, people we don't even know!
"Please accept our deepest gratitude and thanks for your kindness, your, support, your prayers and your generosity you are in our thought and prayers daily, we are just so humbled and emotional with all the love and kindness shown.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart xx."
To make a donation or for more information, the GoFundMe campaign can be found here.
