Bailiwick medical teams praised for caring for Sky News journalist

Wednesday, 24 September 2025 14:20

Sky's security and defence editor revealed she was on holiday in Sark when she became seriously ill with a rare disease.

Deborah Haynes is a British journalist who has covered conflicts around the world for more than two decades.

In August, she travelled with her husband to Sark.

During the ferry ride, she felt nauseous and assumed it was seasickness, but her condition worsened after a sea swim.

The journalist began shivering uncontrollably and vomiting.

The couple then suspected food poisoning and rested at their hotel, but when the symptoms didn't subside, Deborah thought it could be Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS) - a condition she was diagnosed with eight years ago.

The ultra-rare condition affects the immune system, destroying blood cells and harming other vital bodily functions.

After testing from Sark's only Doctor, Bruce Jenkins, an emergency evacuation was ordered.

With no cars on the island, Deborah was transferred to the port by a converted horse cart, towed by a tractor.

St John's marine ambulance then took her to Guernsey, where she flew to Luton, and was driven by ambulance to the University College Hospital in central London.

On Sky News this morning (24 September), Deborah praised Dr Jenkins, Sark's voluntary team of Community First Responders and the St John's Ambulance and Rescue Service for their help.

She is expected to make a full recovery.