Yvonne tragically contracted rabies abroad after a tiny scratch from a dog (Image: Robyn Thomson)
The relatives of a South Yorkshire grandmother who passed away after contracting rabies whilst on holiday say they have been compelled to endure « trauma, loss and devastation. »
A jury inquest conducted at Sheffield Medico-Legal centre was told that Barnsley grandmother Yvonne Ford contracted rabies following a scratch from a stray dog in Morocco in February 2025. The animal attacked after she startled it whilst rising from a sunbed.
She died at Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.
On Wednesday, 4 March, the jury of nine women and three men, alongside assistant coroner Marilyn Whittle, heard how witnessing Yvonne deteriorate « in real time without explanation and growing fear » proved « profoundly traumatic » for her relatives. In a statement presented to the court, daughter Robyn Thomson characterised Yvonne as an « exceptional » wife, mother and grandmother.
She stated: « Before February, Yvonnes was a loving, active and devoted family woman. She was a fantastic wife to her husband Ron, and they shared a close, supportive, loving relationship. (Yvonne was) a constant companion… (Yvonne) was a wonderful mother and always present, offering guidance and reassurance. »
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« She was an exceptional grandmother to her four grandchildren – they were central to her life. »
In her ongoing testimony, Robyn detailed the progression of her mother’s symptoms. After numerous doctor’s appointments for « insect bites », Yvonne confided in her family that she felt as though she was « trapped in a cycle of panic (that she) was unable to resolve. »
Alongside headaches and chest tightness, Yvonne was admitted to Barnsley Hospital on 2 June 2025, with what her family characterised as « severe agitation. »
Robyn’s account revealed that by 4 June, Yvonne was suffering from hallucinations, informing her family about « flies in her room » and emerging « out of her mouth. » Despite attempts to hydrate her during her stay, she consistently refused.
Yvonne Ford died after contracting rabies (Image: -)
By 6 June, she had started « spitting out saliva every 10 seconds » and hadn’t slept for nearly a week.
On Tuesday (3 March), the inquest heard how Yvonne was referred to the mental health liaison unit at Barnsley Hospital on the same day. Psychiatrist Dr Alex Burns assessed Yvonne and expressed his concerns about an infectious disease causing her hallucinations, restlessness and anxiety.
Dr Burns stated: « I had asked about travel, and I had asked about insect bites. It was very unclear what the diagnosis was. I wanted to think a bit more outside the box and consider rare conditions, including those related to travel. »
Yvonne’s husband informed Dr Burns that they had visited Morocco in February. He explained to Dr Burns that Yvonne was bitten by a dog on a beach after she inadvertently startled it whilst rising from a sunbed.
“She was an exceptional grandmother to her four grandchildren – they were central to her life » (Image: Robyn Thomson)
Yvonne was subsequently transferred to the care of infectious disease specialists at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. However, Robyn stated that, from that moment onwards, the family « did not know » the extent of Yvonne’s cognitive awareness.
Speaking to the court through tears, Robyn said: « We received confirmation on June 11 that there was no possible recovery and the outcome would be fatal. We said our goodbyes and held her hand during her final breaths. Watching her deteriorate was profoundly traumatic. »
Concluding her statement, Robyn voiced the family’s concerns that « general dignity measures were not provided by staff » at Barnsley Hospital or that Yvonne « received the level of dignity and respect she deserved. »
The family also conveyed their desire that no other family should « endure the trauma, loss, and devastation » that they had experienced. Speaking on behalf of the family, Robyn told the court: « As a family, we are determined not to be without meaning. By speaking publicly, we hope to raise awareness. »
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