Brit teen in intensive care after contracting meningitis in Rhodes as family hit with £40,000,000 bill

Millie Bayles was on holiday with friends when she suddenly began feeling unwell (Picture: Wales News Service)

A British teenager is fighting for her life in a Greek hospital after contracting meningitis while on holiday with friends.

Millie Bayles,19,thought she was developing an ear infection while visiting the island of Rhodes but her condition quickly deteriorated.

She was transferred to a hospital more than 300 miles away in Athens,where she remains semi-conscious.

Her mum Lauren Murphy said: ‘We are now at the stage where we can look to bring Millie back to the UK. She is out of immediate danger,but she has a long road to recovery ahead of her.

‘She is still only semi-conscious,and we have yet to see how badly this illness will have affected her brain in the long term.

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Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.Millie with her mum and stepdad,Lauren and Pete Murphy (Picture: Wales News Service)Millie is currently in hospital in Athens (Picture: Wales News Service)‘Unfortunately,due to being an invincible young person,Millie neglected to take out any holiday insurance,and so we have to fund her medical flight home privately.‘We desperately need help to get our girl back to her home country so she can continue her recovery process.’The family have been able to raise £40,000 so far to fund the cost of medical bills and flights.

Why do young people particularly need travel insurance?

Young people travelling abroad for the first time independent of their parents face some unique risks compared to others.

Ernesto Suarez,CEO at Gigasure,said: ‘Travelling abroad on your own for the first time is exciting but you must understand the risks and know what you are,and are not,covered for through your travel insurance policy.

‘For example,renting a moped or quad bike is only covered by certain travel policies so check yours before you hire one and make sure you follow the local rules when it comes to wearing a helmet and other rules of the road.

‘Not doing this would invalidate your insurance if you have an accident and need to make a claim.’

He added: ‘Popular activities such as cycling,white water rafting,scuba diving and parasailing may only be covered up to a certain level,height or depth.

‘It’s therefore really important to check the small print and ensure you are protected for the activity you plan to enjoy.’

Millie’s stepdad,Pete said: ‘I am so overwhelmed by the immediate generosity of all of you lovely people and plenty that are certainly not on my friend list.

‘Myself,Lauren and Millie are so grateful for your kind donations. 

‘Millie has got a long battle ahead,but she certainly has a lot of people rooting for her,and we can’t thank you enough for that.’

Why is it important to get travel insurance?

Travel experts have warned those that not getting travel insurance could leads to tens of thousands of pounds in costs,as falling ill can happen ‘to anyone at anytime’.

Ernesto Suarez,said: ‘Everyone travelling abroad should have travel insurance.

‘No one wants to think about the worst happening,but the reality is that accidents or medical issues can happen to anyone at anytime,and having travel insurance in place means that should you need any assistance you should be covered for some,if not all of the costs incurred while seeking treatment.

‘Not having travel insurance can end up costing you tens of thousands of pounds in medical bills and expenses.’