Lifestyle

Scottish Gran Dies at Spanish Airport After Dream Holiday Leaves Family Heartbroken

Published on July 28, 2025

A much-loved Scottish grandmother tragically died at a Spanish airport while trying to get back home after what she had described as her best holiday yet.

Angela McTier, 48, from Blantyre in Lanarkshire, was on her way to Alicante airport when she suddenly suffered a burst varicose vein. Despite managing to reach the departure lounge, the situation quickly worsened, and she collapsed from severe blood loss. Emergency services rushed to help, but heartbreakingly, she died at the scene on Tuesday 22 July.

Her devastated daughter, Michelle Hilston, 24, opened up to STV about the loss and how her mum had been trying to get healthier so she could be around to watch her granddaughters grow up. “My mum watched the grandkids at least two nights every week and always looked forward to them coming over. I’m heartbroken for my two girls who have just lost that special relationship with her,” Michelle said, reported the Mirror.

“If there’s one thing my mum loved, it was going on holiday. She thrived over there and this particular holiday to La Mata she just kept saying how amazing it was, it was her best holiday and she’d felt so well and couldn’t wait to bring the grandkids over,” she added.

Angela was already planning another trip, this time with Michelle and her two toddlers, just a few weeks later. She was a key part of her daughter’s support system, helping her juggle childcare while studying for a midwifery degree. “She helped me out so much to pursue my dream degree after having my kids and always made sure I had all the childcare and financial support I needed,” Michelle said.

Angela’s holidays were her happy place. She travelled several times a year, always excited about new adventures. But nothing topped her love for her granddaughters. “She would ask for pictures of them multiple times a day,” Michelle shared. “The day she died, I had sent her a video of my 11-month-old finally walking, and she was in tears over the video, phoning everyone to tell them. I’m glad that’s the last video she saw of the kids.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed they’re assisting the family, saying, “We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Spain.”

Now, as the family grieves, they’re also trying to manage the heartbreaking task of bringing Angela home. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover the costs of her repatriation and funeral. Donations can be made via the fundraiser page. Every bit of help is a step toward giving Angela the send-off she truly deserves.

Don’t Miss These: