Help Bring Angela Home After a Stroke in Thailand

*updated 23/09 *When this page began, our urgent aim was to cover Angela’s hospital bills in Thailand and the medical costs to get her home to NZ. On 4 September in Phuket, she suffered a major stroke and had emergency clot removal that saved her life but left limited speech, left-side weakness, and swallowing difficulty. With invoices above NZD $73,000 and insurance first declined as “pre-existing,” we reached out to help fund her care and repatriation.

We’re relieved to share that Allianz has since reversed its decision and confirmed full cover for Angela’s hospital costs and repatriation. Because those immediate expenses are now funded, this page shifts to its new purpose: supporting Angela’s long-term recovery in New Zealand. Donations received—and any future support—will fund rehabilitation, physiotherapy, speech therapy, mobility aids, and other needs for her long term recovery.

Angela is stable and brighter. She has moved from ICU to a ward with a caregiver, is practicing in a wheelchair, and still jokes about the food. Two nurses arrive in Phuket on Monday 22 September for pre-flight checks Tuesday 23 September. On Wednesday 24 September an ambulance will take her to Phuket Airport for the Phuket–Singapore–Christchurch flight. She is due to land in Christchurch at 9:30 am on Thursday 25 September and go straight to Christchurch Hospital where a specialist will look after her.

On September 4th, Angela Hill suffered a major stroke while visiting her son Cam in Phuket. She was found collapsed and rushed to Bangkok Hospital, where doctors performed an urgent clot removal procedure that saved her life. Angela has been left with limited speech, loss of movement on her left side, and difficulty swallowing.

Cam, who himself had just undergone major eye surgery days earlier, has been by her side through it all. Sadly, despite Angela declaring a previous stroke when taking out her travel insurance, her claim has been declined due to it being classed as a pre-existing condition.

Now, after 14 days in intensive and hospital care, Angela is making slow but positive progress. Doctors believe she has a good chance of recovery with time, patience, and therapy. However, the costs are overwhelming:

• Hospital bills have already reached THB 1.4 million (NZD $73,000+)

• Ongoing care is required until she is well enough to fly home

• She will need oxygen support and a nurse escort on her journey back to New Zealand

We are asking for your help to:

• Cover her hospital bills in Thailand

• Fund the medical support needed to get her home to New Zealand

• Give Angela the chance to continue her recovery surrounded by friends, family, and proper rehabilitation services

Every donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference in helping Angela get the care she desperately needs.

🙏 We are so grateful for your support, prayers, and generosity.

Thank you,

Angela, Cam & Family