Waikato woman dies in Bali hospital
A Hamilton mum-of two who fell ill while holidaying in Bali has died after being given the all-clear to fly home just days before.
Abby Hartley, 41, took her last breath with her husband Richard and 16-year-old son Toby at her bedside in Bali.
Hartley had been in a coma in a Bali hospital since the beginning of August after being rushed to hospital with a twisted bowel while on the first day of her second honeymoon with husband Richard.
More than $237,000 had been raised through a Givealittle page to help the family pay for medical costs and an evacuation flight after insurance had been declined by Cover More Travel Insurance.
The funds had been released to the family and a $170,000 flight had been paid for.
Hartley never woke up from a coma after suffering complications following emergency surgery, including acute respiratory distress syndrome a collapsed lung and septicemia.
She died on Sunday morning (Bali time) after fighting a ‘‘very long battle’’, the family said in a statement sent to Stuff.
The family said they have no hard feelings towards the Government, which would not financially assist the family in getting Hartley home because she fell ill overseas.
But the love and support of fellow Kiwis had made everything a bit easier, the statement said.
‘‘Mum is at peace now and we are extremely grateful for the many years of joy and love Mum brought us. She will forever be held in our memories and hearts and without a doubt she will make her presence known when she is watching over us.’’
The family have asked for privacy while they grieve.
Givealittle spokeswoman Kate Thomas said all funds raised by ‘‘many generous New Zealanders’’ had been released to the Hartley family because of the urgent nature of her condition.
‘‘Sophie Hartley has been incredibly diligent with updating the page and responding to questions from the public,’’ she said in a statement. ‘‘We are confident when she or her family are ready they will update the page with how any funds remaining will be used.’’
The family previously contacted the Government and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for help to bring Hartley home.
Ardern was ‘‘gutted’’ to hear of Hartley’s death but stood by the Government’s decision to not provide financial assistance.
‘‘It’s a horrific situation,’’ Ardern said. ‘‘From the outset I asked for background information from [Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade] around their policies.’’
MFAT had been working with the family, Ardern said. ‘‘They have several thousand consular cases they deal with every year. They have several hundred that relate to medical issues and from memory about 180 New Zealanders perish overseas every year.’’
Abby and Richard Hartley had planned to renew their vows in Bali after 18 years of marriage.