Christmas market leaves girl ‘fighting for her life’ after ‘catching E coli’ during visit

A 17-year-old girl is “fighting for her life” in intensive care after catching E coli believed to have been from food at a Christmas market.

Antonia Hay, who has undergone multiple surgeries, had to have part of her bowel removed as well as a blood transfusion and dialysis.

The drastic action was taken by doctors in response to kidney failure.

It is unknown what food led to the aspiring actor getting E coli but her father believes that it came from food eaten at a local market in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire.

He said on social media: “To anyone who may have experienced food poisoning symptoms at any restaurant, establishment or any market stall in Great Missenden during the Christmas Market, particularly on or from 25 November, please can you PM me.

“My middle daughter is fighting for her life after a serious bacterial infection suspected from eating something around this time and we have strong theories, but just need to know if anyone else was affected with any level of stomach issues or illness.”

Antonia’s older sister Jemima added that the 17-year-old was “lucky to be alive”.

She said her sister had shown “amazing determination and strength throughout this time, despite the immense stress, pain and trauma – all combined with an extreme phobia of injections”.

There have been 30 confirmed cases of E coli in England and Scotland since July. Earlier this year one person died after catching the bacteria.

A GoFundMe page has been launched by Jemima to raise money for her sister and to support the family while they are unable to work and to help with Antonia’s future care.

“My dad’s job are not paying him for any time off, so we currently have no income, which is creating further stress on our family at this really difficult time,” she wrote on the fundraising page.

“Anybody who has met Antonia will know that she is the most kind, caring, outgoing person and lights up any room she walks into. Despite going through the toughest time in her life, all she has cared about is everybody else and how they are feeling, still trying to make everybody laugh.

“With her kidneys still not functioning, it is likely that this will impact her for the rest of her life and as a singer, dancer and aspiring actress, it is important that we support her through everything, as she feels as if her dreams have been ripped away from her, as her studies on her performing arts course will be severely impacted.

“It is thanks to the kindness of her friends and family and support from people in the community that she has made it this far and will continue to stay strong.”

So far more than £9,000 has been donated by over 450 people.