A British woman, Niaomi Baker, is stranded over 1,000 miles away from home in Tunisia after collapsing during a flight back to the UK. She suffered a seizure on the plane, leading to her hospitalization and placement in an induced coma. Niaomi, who is 33 years old and from Kirkby, Merseyside, has epilepsy, autism, and functional neurological disorder (FND). Her family is facing challenges in bringing her back to the UK for treatment.
Despite being brought out of the coma by doctors, Niaomi has not fully regained consciousness. Her cousin, Laylla Baker, expressed the family’s distress at the situation, revealing that Niaomi traveled without informing them and without travel insurance, despite her medical conditions. Laylla emphasized the shock of the family upon learning about Niaomi’s overseas trip after the medical emergency.
Laylla mentioned that Niaomi had a seizure as she was boarding her return flight on February 11, resulting in her hospitalization in Sousse. Niaomi’s complex medical history, including epilepsy since childhood and FND, has complicated her treatment abroad. Laylla highlighted the emotional toll on Niaomi, exacerbated by the absence of familiar faces and support in Tunisia.
The family is striving to raise £35,000 to arrange a medical air ambulance to bring Niaomi back to the UK for specialized care at the Walton Centre in Liverpool. Laylla criticized the lack of communication with foreign doctors and authorities, relying on the British embassy for updates. The family’s urgent plea for financial assistance underscores the critical need to reunite Niaomi with her loved ones in the UK for proper medical attention.
