Family fly to Mexico to bring sick great-grandmother home

The family of an uninsured 74-year-old great-grandmother who fell seriously ill on a cruise ship have flown out to Mexico to bring her home.

Joyce Kettle has a bill of more than $72,000 for the treatment she has received after she was rushed off the Marella Discovery II with breathing difficulties a week ago.

The widow from Blyth, Northumberland, believed she had holiday insurance through her bank account but found out later the policy only covered her for European trips.

She has undergone an emergency heart procedure which required three stents.

Her three children set up an online fundraising page to help her cover the costs as she did not have sufficient funds.

And her youngest daughter Leanne Kettle has flown to Mexico with partner Les Chrisp to bring her home.

Mr Chrisp said: "Joyce is in really good spirits and just wants a cup of proper coffee and, in her words, some 'decent food'.

"Leanne broke down when she saw her mum and was just so relieved to be with her finally."

The great-grandmother was travelling with a friend who paid for the cruise as a present.

Her family hoped she will be well enough to travel home on Monday.