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Newlywed Stranded: Stroke Strikes on Holiday
27 Sep
Summary
- 37-year-old woman suffered a stroke during a holiday.
- She woke up paralyzed and unable to speak.
- Family is fundraising for an expensive medical flight home.
A 37-year-old newlywed faces a challenging recovery after suffering a stroke while on holiday in Faro, Portugal. Shereen Lafferty awoke on Sunday, September 20, 2026, unable to speak and with paralysis on her right side. She spent approximately five days in intensive care, though her condition has since improved, allowing her to move to a regular ward.
While Shereen has made progress, including taking a few steps, her inability to receive English-language speech therapy in Portugal is a major concern. Doctors estimate she will remain hospitalized for at least two more weeks before she can be medically evacuated. This transfer is expected to cost the family up to £25,000, leading her sister-in-law to launch a GoFundMe campaign to cover the expenses and bring Shereen home to her husband and nine-year-old daughter.
Her husband, Robert, remains by her side, trying to stay positive as he provides regular updates to their family. Despite the difficulties, the family is focused on Shereen's continued recovery and her eventual return home. The situation has been particularly difficult for their young daughter, Aria, who is currently staying with her grandmother.
