Health fears of blind man stuck on holiday isle

Willie Tanner, of Dundee, could run out of vital medication as he awaits flight home

A blind Dundee man stuck on his own in Lanzarote is growing increasingly concerned for his health as his vital medication runs out.

Willie Tanner, 62, flew out to the Spanish Canary island for a three-week holiday on March 3 and has been unable to leave since the holiday destination went into lockdown around two weeks later.

The Broughty Ferry resident suffers from hemianopia, meaning he has good longer distance vision but sees blurry shapes within 50 yards, so is registered blind.

The condition was caused by a brain aneurysm several years ago and he takes 12 pills a day to avoid another.

He has been taking the pills every second day to ensure they last for as long as possible but fears they will run out very soon.

His original flight home, as well as another two further flights, have all been cancelled and the next available is on May 5.

Mr Tanner said sourcing more of the medication is his greatest concern.

He said: “I just don’t know how I’m going to get them. The pharmacies here are open but I need a prescription.

“My friend in Dundee is looking at getting the prescription to send over to me but I don’t even know if there is any air mail coming in.

“It’s quite a scary situation. I have never experienced anything like this in my life.

“One day everything seemed fine and then suddenly everyone was ordered out of their hotels and taken to the airport.

“Because I know the owners here, they let me stay, and I thought I’d be able to get my flight home as normal.

“It has been surreal. It’s like a ghost town. There is nobody else at the apartment complex apart from the security guard.”

Mr Tanner has now been contacted by the UK Foreign Office, who are looking at ways to assist him, including sourcing his medication.

Despite his condition, he has managed to maintain a very independent life and lives alone. A keen sports fan, he is a lifelong Dundee FC supporter, regularly taking in home games.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We know it’s a difficult time for many British travellers abroad – especially those with individual health conditions.

“We’ll continue working around the clock to bring people home.”

Willie Tanner, who is registered blind, flew to Lanzarote on March 3 and has been unable to return to Dundee since the island went into lockdown.