Darlington newlyweds remain ‘stuck over in Turkey’

Lucy Staniforth-Grainge, 40, was rushed to hospital after falling seriously ill during the final days of her honeymoon with husband Ian, 41, in early May.

The newlyweds, who married in February, had initially travelled to Turkey for what was meant to be a “trip of a lifetime”.

Ian and Lucy at their February wedding (Image: FAMILY)

But Lucy fell ill during the penultimate day of the trip.

Her condition rapidly deteriorated, and she was admitted to intensive care with breathing complications, leaving Ian fearing he could lose his new wife.

Now, in a positive development, Lucy’s mother-in-law, Sue Todd, has confirmed she is recovering.

“The good news is that Lucy is now out of intensive care and is doing well,” Sue said.

Ian Staniforth 41, and Lucy Staniforth-Grainge, 40 (Image: FAMILY)

“We are all incredibly relieved and grateful for the care she has received.”

However, despite the improvement in her condition, the couple are now facing fresh challenges that mean they are unable to return home to the UK.

“The hospital is ready to discharge Lucy, but at the moment they are effectively stuck in Turkey while everything is being sorted out,” Sue added.

Complications have arisen with the couple’s travel insurance, which the family had hoped would cover the mounting costs of treatment and extended stays abroad.

“Ian and Lucy genuinely believed that everything had been declared correctly when taking out their policy,” Sue said.

Ian and Lucy dancing at their wedding in February (Image: FAMILY)

“But a doctor has identified a medical issue that Lucy herself was unaware of, and this may now affect the insurance payout.”

The uncertainty has left the couple facing escalating expenses, including hospital treatment, accommodation, and rearranged travel.

As a result, Sue has increased a fundraising appeal set up to support the couple, raising its target from £2,600 to £10,000.

Ian and Lucy (Image: FAMILY)

“Because of this, I have had to increase the fundraising target to £10,000,” she said.

“I know times are hard for many people, but if anyone can donate or continue sharing the fundraiser, it would mean the world to our family.”

She added: “Right now, we just want to get Ian and Lucy safely home.”

The appeal has already received an outpouring of support from the local community and beyond, and has managed to raise over £2700.

“Thank you so much to everyone who has donated, shared the fundraiser, sent messages, and supported Ian and Lucy over the last few days,” Sue said.

“The kindness people have shown has honestly been overwhelming.”

Lucy, who is well known in Darlington and a dedicated supporter of Darlington FC, continues to recover as her family works to resolve the situation and bring the couple back to the UK.