Welsh Couple's Holiday Turns into a Race Against Time as Baby Arrives Prematurely in Portugal

A Holiday Gone Awry

Expectant parents Tequilla Huntley and David Barnett from Barry, Wales, embarked on a planned four-night mini-break to Faro, Portugal, but their trip took a dramatic turn when their baby arrived unexpectedly.

While enjoying their vacation, Tequilla experienced complications and was rushed to the hospital, where an emergency C-section was performed due to a placental abruption. Doctors warned David that both mother and child were at serious risk, with only a 50/50 chance of survival.

A New Arrival

Fortunately, both Tequilla and their newborn son, Kobe, survived the ordeal. However, Kobe was born extremely premature, weighing just two pounds, and was immediately placed in the neonatal intensive care unit for specialized care. His condition required assistance with breathing and feeding, and he is under constant observation as he gains strength.

Emotional Struggles

Tequilla described the experience as traumatic, highlighting the isolation felt while being away from home. Despite support from medical staff, the language barrier added to their challenges in understanding their baby's condition.

Urgent Need for Help

The couple wishes to bring Kobe back to the UK for further medical care, but their travel insurance does not cover the cost of an air ambulance. They have raised £15,000 so far with the help of Lia’s Wings, a charity specializing in assisting families with premature babies abroad, but still need an additional £12,250 to secure the transfer.

Community Support

Claire Savoury, David's sister, is spearheading a GoFundMe campaign that has raised around £5,400. She expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from both friends and strangers, noting how emotional it has been to witness the generosity of the community.

If you wish to help, donations can be made through the GoFundMe page.