A father’s journey to meet his newborn grandchildren in New Zealand takes a heartbreaking turn

A Taupo dairy-farming couple is facing an estimated $70,000 in medical costs after the woman’s father-in-law, Charanjeet Singh, suffered a sudden stroke while visiting New Zealand from Karnal, India.

Singh and his wife were in New Zealand in May to help his son and daughter-in-law, Ramandeep Kaur, as they welcomed twins. He suffered a stroke on September 13 and was initially treated in New Zealand before being transported to Panchkula, India, for further treatment.

Singh is now experiencing speech and vision impairments. While he can recognise family members, he is not responding as he normally would, Singh's daughter-in-law, Ramandeep, told the Indian Weekender.

"He is not the same person anymore," she said.

The family has since set up a Givealittle fundraising page to help meet the medical costs associated with his treatment.

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Singh suffered stroke after family dinner

Singh suffered the stroke on the night of September 13 after the family had enjoyed a barbecue dinner at home.

Ramandeep said Singh had been "fully conscious and completely fine, and happy" during dinner.

At about 9.30pm, Singh went to sleep. He woke about 25 minutes later before collapsing on the floor.

"Mother [in law], who was in the same room, thought he had fallen down and would get up on his own, and asked him 'are you ok?'"

"He did not reply," that is when the mother in law screamed for help.

Ramandeep said Singh was conscious but unable to respond verbally, and she noticed that the sides of his face had started to droop.

He was taken from the dairy farm to Rotorua Hospital before being airlifted to Auckland for further treatment.

The first CT scan showed a blood clot in his brain, Ramandeep said.

Singh spent three days in an Auckland hospital before returning to Rotorua.

"Till 5th October he was in Rotorua hospital on rehab unit," she explained.

He remained in the rehabilitation unit until October 5 and was not considered well enough to return home, prompting the family to make arrangements for treatment in India.

Family had travelled to New Zealand for twins

Singh arrived in New Zealand with his wife in May to support their son and daughter in law Ramandeep during the birth of their twins, who were due in July.

Ramandeep had stopped working because of complications during her pregnancy and had been making regular trips to hospital for medical consultations.

Singh did not have medical insurance, which Ramandeep said had been overlooked amid the family's focus on her pregnancy and hospital appointments.

"It just skipped our minds," Ramandeep told The Indian Weekender.

The couple's son has lived in New Zealand since 2010 and is a permanent resident. Ramandeep had been working before her pregnancy but stopped due to pregnancy complications.

Family appeals for support

The family has established a Givealittle fundraising page with a goal of $70,000 to help cover Singh's medical and related expenses.

As of today, 273 people had donated within 22 days, bringing the total amount raised to $15,789. Ramandeep expressed her gratitude to those who had supported the family during the unexpected situation.