// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Family 'in hell' as critically ill baby stuck abroad
Matthew was a healthy baby before suddenly falling ill while on holiday
The mother of a baby who fell ill on holiday and cannot get home has said "every day is frightening and uncertain".
Sofia was visiting family in Hong Kong in July when her nine-month-old son Matthew contracted influenza A. He suffered three cardiac arrests, leaving him unconscious and on a ventilator.
His medical condition and the high cost of returning him home to Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, have left the family "living on earth but in hell", according to charity Lia's Wings.
The charity, which specialises in medical flights for children, is now trying to raise £200,000 to fly both Sofia and Matthew safely back to the UK.
After more than three months in hospital, Matthew remains critically ill.
Despite having holiday insurance, it was found this did not cover the expense of medical flights.
Matthew cannot be returned on a commercial flight due to his health
Sophia said: "We are desperate to get our little boy home.
"Being by Matthew's bedside is the only place I feel I should be right now, and although every day is frightening and uncertain, being with him is what keeps me going.