A young mother tragically passed away after collapsing at a Turkey airport due to a severe seizure. Melissa Kinsella, aged 30, suffered a massive seizure and cardiac arrest while at Antalya Airport, prompting her family to raise over £50,000 to bring her back to the UK. Despite their efforts, Melissa was pronounced dead shortly after reaching Merseyside. Her mother, Michelle, faced challenges in understanding how a previously healthy mother of three could die so unexpectedly.
Melissa’s cousin, Nicole Waters, who also experienced a seizure and cardiac arrest, was subsequently diagnosed with Long QT syndrome, a genetic disorder. Nicole’s condition led her to be fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and tested for the syndrome. It was revealed that Melissa was included in the family history tree for the condition but was not informed until it was tragically too late.
After Melissa’s passing, several family members, including her mother Michelle, underwent testing for Long QT syndrome. Multiple relatives received positive diagnoses, prompting them to advocate for awareness and testing. Melissa’s impact continued as her family shared stories of how she is still saving lives through organ donation and raising awareness about the condition.
Jessica New, Melissa’s second cousin, was diagnosed with the same condition that took Melissa’s life, leading to her receiving an ICD to monitor her heart rhythm. Another cousin, Missy Smyth, also recounted her experience with Long QT syndrome and the importance of early detection and treatment. The family has been proactive in getting tested for the condition to prevent further tragedies.
In honour of Melissa, her family is organising a fundraiser for the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital Charity and Cardiac Risk in the Young. The event, scheduled for Saturday, September 14, will feature activities for guests of all ages. The family hopes to raise awareness and support for those affected by similar conditions while celebrating Melissa’s lasting impact on saving lives through awareness and testing initiatives.