Hartlepool family facing £32,000 bill to bring dad home

Michael Henderson, 63, from Hartlepool was with his wife Linda on an excursion in Turkey when on May 16 he suddenly fell to the floor, knocking out his teeth.

Michael, who is a keen footballer, is said to not live with any health problems and was swiftly rushed to hospital with a suspected lung infection.

Michael Henderson from Hartlepool. (Image: GAIL TAYLOR)

It was then discovered Michael needed a triple bypass and was moved to a private hospital due to a “lack of space”, according to his family.

Once moved, Michael underwent the serious procedure and has since suffered a second heart attack and seizures as doctors now believe he may need a pacemaker.

Despite having an insurance policy, Michael’s family say they have been left to pay a £32,000 medical bill – and he won’t be allowed out of the hospital until it’s paid.

“They said he would die if he didn’t have this surgery,” said Gail Taylor, Michael’s daughter.

Michael Henderson from Hartlepool. (Image: GAIL TAYLOR)

“By the time they got to the other hospital, they confirmed it was a heart attack and explained that his valves were closed so he needed surgery.

“If he didn’t have it within the next couple of hours, he wouldn’t survive – that’s what the doctors told us.”

Following the surgery, both Gail and her brother James flew over to Turkey to be together as a family and support their mum – but are now facing the prospect of a medical bill worth £32,000.

The Henderson family say they have contacted both the British Embassy and their insurance company who told them the hospital fees must be paid before they can be reimbursed.

Gail added: “Myself and my brother didn’t want to come home, we were crying in the airport as it just broke our hearts.

Michael Henderson from Hartlepool. (Image: GAIL TAYLOR)

“My dad is back in the ICU now and the staff are coming in and saying ‘Michael, we need the money’. It is constant.

“We don’t know now if that bill will increase, and they won’t let him out until it’s paid – he is stuck in there.

“It’s like fighting a losing battle.”

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The Henderson family have in the meantime had a fundraiser set up on GoFundMe with hopes of raising enough funds to settle the hospital bill.

So far, it has raised just over £3,000 as Gail has also set up a donation box at her baking business.

Gail added: “We are now just trying to keep as up-to-date as we can – we will do whatever we need to do.”

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.