Family launch campaign to fly body of Tress, 54, to UK after insurance heartache
A GRAN who was taken to hospital on Christmas Day while on holiday died after she boarded a flight home.
Tress Winning had travelled to Tenerife with partner Martin Falkner, son Michael, 14, and grandson Cody, nine, on December 22.
But the gran of 15 started feeling unwell and was found by Spanish medics to have fluid on her lungs and heart.
Four days later, she again complained of feeling unwell as she boarded a flight back to Scotland.
Tress, 54, from Wishaw in Lanarkshire, was taken off the flight and re-admitted to hospital where she had a massive heart attack, suffered brain damage and passed away after doctors advised her life-support machine should be turned off.
To add to the family’s trauma, Tress had no insurance – leaving a £9000 bill to bring the former cleaner’s body home.
Heartbroken daughter Louise Mullen has launched an online funding campaign and has managed to raise £4000. She told our sister paper the Wishaw Press: “I am utterly devastated.
“Words don’t begin to describe how I feel right now. My world has been turned upside down and not knowing when she can be reunited with us is soul destroying.”
They have made calls to funeral directors who have advised that flying Tress home will cost about £5000.
But the Spanish hospital will not release her body until the medical bill, estimated at £4000, is paid.
The family have so far raised around £4000.
Mum-of-five Louise, 33, said: “She was so bubbly, full of life. She loved her social media and was always posting snapchat videos.
“She was a doting gran and a real supportive, family person. I was dead close to my mum. I stayed with her with my kids for a while and she helped me out with every one of them.”
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/ bring-tress-home