Rhiannon Ingle
A toddler tragically passed away after a doctor 'misdiagnosed her twice' while she was on a family holiday.
Two-year-old Isla Sutcliffe, who hails from Jersey, was enjoying a trip to Turkey with her parents and sister when she fell ill, and was seen by a medic at their hotel.
The doctor initially believed Isla simply had tonsillitis but, after a few days, found out her condition was far more grave - despite Isla's mother explaining to the doctor that her daughter was feeling pain in her stomach rather than her throat.
Advert
The doctor twice failed to decipher what was actually wrong with little Isla, who was actually suffering from serious appendicitis, which went on to develop into fatal sepsis according to a family friend.
Isla's condition only got worse following the first doctor visit.
The worried parents, Ryan Sutcliffe and Laura Carolan, then took their child to the hospital the next day, but were greeted by the same doctor they had previously met with at the hotel who was adamant Isla just had tonsillitis.
According to family friends, the health professional insisted Isla was well enough to be discharged with Nurofen and make the trip back to the Channel Islands that same evening.
This, however, was far from the case.
Once the family arrived to the airport, they noticed Isla had got even worse and she was rushed to hospital in an ambulance.
"Isla deteriorated drastically resulting in an ambulance having to take her to hospital from the airport, to be told that it was appendicitis and sepsis," close family friend Taylor Kearns explained.
Taylor went on: "The appendix then ruptured resulting in the unimaginable. The [family] will all be returning back to Jersey shortly.
"Isla brought so much joy and laughter into the lives of those who knew her. Her radiant smile and infectious spirit will forever be etched in our hearts."
She has since set up a GoFundMe page to 'Help Isla's family following her passing in Turkey', which has since raised £36,460 raised of £25,000 goal.
The fundraiser was organised to 'help alleviate some of the financial stress that comes with such an unexpected loss', supporting the grieving family with the travel, funeral and ongoing expenses they are now facing during this incredibly difficult time.
"The last thing we want is for them to worry about financial matters while grieving," Taylor added.
She went on: "Your generous contribution will make a meaningful difference. Every donation, no matter the size, will go a long way in helping them honour Isla’s memory and give her a dignified farewell.
"Your support will help the family focus on healing and finding strength in one another.
"Thank you for your compassion and support during this heart-wrenching time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Laura, Ryan and their family as they navigate this painful journey."
An FCDO spokesperson said: "We are assisting the family of a British child who has died in Turkey."
You can donate to the GoFundMe page here.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677