British nurse dies on holiday after falling ill on flight to Dubai

Friends say Charlotte Carter, 30, had been 'on top form' shortly before feeling unwell during seven-hour flight from Gatwick

Charlotte Carter fell ill on a flight to Dubai and later died (JustGiving)

A 30-year-old mental health nurse has died on holiday in Dubai after falling ill on the flight from Britain.

Charlotte Carter, 30, began feeling unwell while in the air before suffering a heart attack in a taxi to a friend’s house in the United Arab Emirates.

Friends said Ms Carter, from Swansea, south Wales, had been “on top form” before falling ill and was “excited” about her winter sunshine break.

She was taken into intensive care and resuscitated “multiple times” but could not be saved, friends said.

Paying tribute on Facebook, Kate George, who was due to meet Ms Carter in Dubai, said: “Charlotte was on the flight messaging me saying she can’t wait to see me and planning our week.

“She was absolutely fine, even on top form and this happens completely out of the blue.

“A tragedy doesn’t even describe what’s happened to our beautiful, witty, charming girl.”

A post-mortem examination is due to be held to determine the cause of death.

Ms Carter flew from Gatwick Airport on 29 October with two other women, ordering bottles of champagne before taking off on the seven-hour flight.

She had not taken out travel insurance and her family now face costs of tens of thousands of pounds to cover medical bills and to bring her body home.

Friend Megan Boyes, who set up a crowdfunding page to help raise the money, wrote: “Our gorgeous friend Charlotte tragically lost her life at the age of 30. She was so excited to go on holiday to Dubai on a girls’ trip but sadly she fell ill on the flight which resulted in her being taken to intensive care once arriving in Dubai.”

“Charlotte was the most caring, kind and thoughtful person and she dedicated her life to helping others as a mental health nurse. She was taken from us far too young.

“Any contributions however big or small will be very much appreciated by her family and friends.”

The page has raised more than £20,000 in five days.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was providing support to Ms Carter’s family.