In a heart-wrenching turn of events during a family holiday in Cancun, Mexico, 19-month-old Sienna-Rose suffered a brain haemorrhage and swelling, requiring urgent life-saving surgery to remove a longstanding blood clot. This ordeal transformed a relaxing holiday into an urgent life-and-death scenario. Natasha, Sienna-Rose's mother, described the harrowing experience: "It's been absolutely horrendous. She is the most happy, lovely little baby. To see her like this is absolutely horrendous. I would never wish what we are going through on anyone." The emotional toll on the family was immense, as they grappled with their daughter's sudden critical illness thousands of miles from home. Watch the ITV News story below to hear directly from Natasha as she shares more about their challenging situation and the urgency of bringing Sienna-Rose back to the UK.
Lia’s Wings steps in
Recognising the severity of Sienna-Rose's condition and the need for specialist medical care, the family’s network reached out to our charity, Lia's Wings, the only organisation equipped with the experience and expertise to assist in such complex cases. We coordinated the intricate details of her air ambulance transfer and ensured a smooth integration back into NHS care. We're also provided comprehensive 24/7 support to her family as they managed Sienna-Rose’s healthcare and condition while in Mexico. To alleviate some financial burden, we also contributed £20,000 towards the air transfer costs.
Lia’s Wings CEO, Charlotte Young, says:
“As the only charity dedicated to helping families stranded abroad with a critically ill child, we understand the profound challenges and isolation these situations can bring. We are providing crucial guidance and support alongside financial assistance and managing the intricate logistics required for her air ambulance transfer home and her integration into NHS care for ongoing support.
"We're immensely grateful for the generous donations toward her air transfer and for the kindness shown to her family. Your support is vital in helping us bring her back to the UK, where she can continue receiving the essential treatment and care she needs. Thank you so much for your support.”
Alongside the incredible generosity of the public which raised over £150,000 for Sienna-Rose’s air ambulance transfer home and hospital medical bills, Lia’s Wings worked hard to arrange all the complex logistics associated with the air ambulance transfer. Within five days, we were in the air with Sienna-Rose! We flew her from Cancun to John Lennon Airport in Liverpool, where they were greeted by supportive crowds.
A new chapter begins at home
A key part of Lia’s Wings' role is to ensure continuity of care after a child, like Sienna-Rose, is brought home. We work closely with the NHS to ensure a bed is available, a full medical handover is delivered, and families are plugged into all available ongoing support. Upon return to the UK, we ensured that Sienna-Rose was under the care of a Paediatric Neurosurgeon Consultant at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, ensuring the best possible care. We are thrilled to share that Sienna-Rose has had a peaceful first night back home, is looking more comfortable, and is starting to return to her smiley self.
The family, though exhausted, feels an immense relief being back near their loved ones and support network. We will continue to be here for them far beyond this journey. We’re here for families for as long as they need us, every step of the way.
As Sienna-Rose begins a new chapter back in the UK, we thank everyone for their thoughts and support during this challenging time. We look forward to sharing updates on her recovery and the many more milestones she has ahead of her.
Media comment
For the most up-to-date information on Sienna-Rose’s situation, please check our social media account or the family’s GoFundMe page, where there will be regular updates. For media inquiries or to request a comment on this story, please contact us at hello@lias-wings.org.uk or call 0300 140 9980. We are happy to provide additional information.