A GRANDMOTHER who fell seriously ill on holiday in Morocco will be back in the UK today after fundraisers helped pay for medical bills and a flight home.

Susan George, 60, suffered a collapsed lung and two heart attacks while on a Christmas break in Marrakech with her partner.

Her family said her travel insurance provider had refused to pay for her treatment or repatriation because her policy was void.

Now, Mrs George’s family and generous well-wishers have raised £23,000, which has paid the medical bill and for the specialist flight home.

Kris Hardy, who is the boyfriend of Susan’s daughter Michelle Harpley, said a doctor was due to fly out to Morocco yesterday to accompany Susan on a flight to Liverpool today. She will then be taken to hospital, said Mr Hardy.

“It is brilliant news,” said Mr Hardy. “It is just a big, massive weight off our shoulders.

“It is good news all round. The main thing is she is well. When we got out there she was in a bad way - it was horrendous.

“Now she is getting there. She has started walking again, but only for a few minutes as she is struggling to breathe. It is a big relief.”

Mr Hardy said the family raised £18,000 between them, which was topped up by donations totalling £5,000, including some who asked to remain anonymous.

He said: “Thank you very much to everyone. Without them and that extra money, we wouldn’t have managed to bring her back.

“To the people that have donated, a massive thank you to them from me and all the family.”

He added: “This has been one hell of a roller coaster and we couldn’t have done it with you guys. Susan is so grateful and so are the rest of the family. Things are looking up. Thanks again to everyone who helped out and donated.”

Susan’s daughter Michelle wrote online: “Mum’s coming home! What a journey this has been! Ups and downs. On a major high now.

“Cannot thank you enough for all your support and donations - we couldn’t have done it without you all.”

Mr Hardy said Susan’s insurance was void because she had not updated her policy with a recent minor heart condition.

He said he hoped what happened to Susan would serve as a lesson for other travellers.

“It will hopefully make people get the right travel insurance,” said Mr Hardy. “It was void because of a recent problem that she had not disclosed.

“She has been paying her premiums for ages. She got cover through the bank. She is a well-organised woman is Susan and she keeps on top of everything.

“I have definitely learned from this experience.”

Bradford-born Susan has four children and seven grandchildren. She fell ill on Boxing Day while away with her partner, Andi Pilgrim.

Mr Hardy and Michelle and Susan’s son Lee flew out to Morocco after being told there was a chance Susan might not survive.

Mr Hardy said previously: “Sue is a much-loved women with a heart of gold and a great sense of humour - a typical Bradfordian.”