Help Cover Ashley’s Medical Bills And Bring Her Home

Update: 03.04.2025

Hi Everyone,

On Monday 24th March, my sister Ashley was found unconscious and unresponsive in her apartment—over 5,500 miles away in Seoul, South Korea, where she’s been living since September 2024.

She was rushed to hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, where she remained for a week undergoing numerous tests and receiving critical care.

On Monday 31st March, Ashley was moved to the general ward and things seemed to be heading in a positive direction. But just one day later, on Tuesday 1st April, her doctors informed us that she had developed severe pneumonia and might need to return to the ICU.

On Wednesday 2nd April, Ashley was re-admitted with a collapsed lung and placed on a ventilator. As of Thursday 3rd April, her doctors have successfully re-inflated the lung, but advised that she will remain on the ventilator and in the ICU for the rest of the week.

We knew Ashley’s recovery wouldn’t be linear—but this setback, after what had felt like a hopeful turn, has been difficult.

Why the GoFundMe?

Unfortunately, Ashley’s health insurance recently expired, and all medical expenses must now be paid out-of-pocket. That burden has fallen on my parents, both recently retired, and our family simply doesn’t have the means to cover such unexpected and overwhelming costs.

My parents initially paid a deposit for Ashley’s admission and treatment, but that amount has already been surpassed—and her medical bills continue to grow. We don’t yet know how long she’ll require care or when she’ll be well enough to fly home.

Estimated Costs:

• ICU Stay: Up to £1,500 per day

• General Hospital Admission: Up to £500 per day

• Tests & Scans: £1,000+ (x-rays, CT scans, blood work, etc.)

• Medication & Treatments: Ongoing and unpredictable

I want to gently remind everyone that my sister is human, and like any of us, she’s not immune to making mistakes. She wouldn’t be the first person to accidentally forget to renew her health insurance—life happens, and sometimes it’s easy to think, “I’ll sort it out later.”

If anything, I hope this situation serves as a reminder to double-check your coverage if you're traveling or living abroad.

To everyone who has already donated, shared this campaign, or reached out to my family with your sympathies and well wishes—thank you.

Your compassion, generosity, and love have been overwhelming, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fully express how deeply grateful we are.

Thank you for continuing to support us during this incredibly difficult time. I’ll keep you updated on Ashley’s condition—and I can’t wait for the day I get to say that my little sister is finally coming home.

With love,

Kat & the Surcombe family x