Little girl, two, died from appendicitis and sepsis after being ‘misdiagnosed twice with tonsillitis’ while on a family holiday in Turkey

• Isla Sutcliffe, two, from Jersey, died while on holiday with her family in Turkey 
• A doctor allegedly misdiagnosed her with tonsillitis instead of appendicitis

A two-year-old girl died on holiday in Turkey after a doctor twice failed to spot appendicitis which led to fatal sepsis, according to a family friend.

Isla Sutcliffe, from Jersey, was holidaying alongside her parents and sister when she suddenly fell ill and was treated by a medic at their hotel.

It is claimed that the ailment was dismissed by the doctor as tonsillitis, despite Isla’s mother’s concern that the little girl was suffering pain in her tummy – not her throat.

After the youngster’s condition worsened the next day – in which they were due to fly home – her parents Ryan Sutcliffe and Laura Carolan took her to hospital only to be met by the same doctor they had encountered at the hotel.

Family friends say the clinician insisted Isla was fit to be discharged with Nurofen and travel back to the Channel Islands that night.

However, once at the airport, Isla is said to have become gravely ill and was rushed to hospital in an ambulance.

Family friend Taylor Kearns said: ‘Isla deteriorated drastically resulting in an ambulance having to take her to hospital from the airport, to be told that it was appendicitis and sepsis.

‘The appendix then ruptured resulting in the unimaginable. The [family] will all be returning back to Jersey shortly.

‘Isla brought so much joy and laughter into the lives of those who knew her. Her radiant smile and infectious spirit will forever be etched in our hearts.’

Ms Kearns has now organised a GoFundMe to support the family after Isla’s death, which has amassed over £20,000. 

She said: ‘While we cannot ease the emotional burden, we can help alleviate some of the financial stress that comes with such an unexpected loss.

‘Tragedies like this are unimaginable, and no family should ever have to endure such pain, let alone in a foreign country away from all family & friends, knowing she could have been saved if it weren’t for the poor medical care provided and misdiagnosis.

‘The purpose of this GoFundMe campaign is to raise funds to assist Laura, Ryan and their family with the travel, funeral & ongoing expenses they are facing during this incredibly difficult time. The last thing we want is for them to worry about financial matters while grieving.

‘Your generous contribution will make a meaningful difference. Every donation, no matter the size, will go a long way in helping them honor Isla’s memory and give her a dignified farewell. Your support will help the family focus on healing and finding strength in one another.’

An FCDO spokesperson said: ‘We are assisting the family of a British child who has died in Turkey.’