Hi, I'm Mark. My wife Mandy and I live in Northamptonshire, and I'm writing this with a heavy heart to ask for your help.

Our daughter Jessica was on holiday in the Cayman Islands when she became seriously ill. She is now in intensive care being treated for a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot on the lungs, and a diabetic emergency. She is also coeliac, which makes her care and recovery more complicated.

She was due to fly home on Monday 26 October, but her doctors have told us she is not fit to travel. Even once she is discharged, she cannot be left on her own while she recovers.

As any parent would, we are flying out this weekend to be with her, look after her, and bring her home when it is safe. Because of the clot, we don't yet know when she will be cleared to fly, so we are booking one way and will return as soon as her doctors say she is ready.

This has all happened very suddenly, and the costs of getting to her and staying with her are far beyond what we can manage alone. Anything you can give will go directly towards:

Flights, including return flights once she is cleared to travel: £6,000

Accommodation: £4,500

Food, including coeliac safe meals: £1,200

Car hire for hospital visits and appointments: £700

Care for our dog Indie while we are away: £600

Travel insurance for us: £150

Contingency and fundraising fees: £950

If Jessica’s travel insurance or other support covers any of these costs, we will update this page and let you know how the money is being used.

We are so grateful for every donation, share and kind message. If you can't give, sharing this page helps just as much. Thank you for helping us be there for our girl.

With love and thanks,

Mark and Mandy

Goal: £14,100