A COUPLE fear they will be left stranded in Europe without vital medication if Thomas Cook collapses.

Mark and Jacqui Cochrane, from Barrow, are two of around 180,000 holidaymakers caught up in the uncertainty surrounding the future of the long-established travel operator.

The company is seeking £200 million in extra funding as it attempts to prevent going under and potentially leaving people's holiday plans in tatters.

Mr and Mrs Cochrane are due to fly back from Bulgaria on Tuesday following a week-long trip - their first without their children.

But now they are scared they may not be able to return home and diabetic Mr Cochrane, 54, says he only took enough insulin for the duration of the holiday.

"I hope we aren't stranded," said Mrs Cochrane, 38.

"What will happen if they go bust. Will our hotel be covered to keep us? When will we get home? Will loss of wages be covered?"

She said she had spoken to a representative at the hotel on Thursday night about transfers but nothing was mentioned about the company potentially going bust before their return.

Mr Cochrane, a driver for Appliance Direct, was diagnosed with type one diabetes in May 2006.

Without his insulin, Mr Cochrane's blood glucose levels will rise. Symptoms of this can include increased thirst, blurred vision and sickness, and even death. If left untreated this can lead to serious complications which requires immediate hospital treatment.

The couple are also in the process of fostering two little girls.

They say they have already been approved and expect it to be a fast process. But they have appointments awaiting to be scheduled next week and there are worries it may slow the process down if they become stranded.

The 178-year-old firm could go bust by Sunday, company insiders said.

One reader Jennifer Purvis said: "I’ve booked my wedding with them so they better not."

Kimberley White said: "Could you just have a little thought for the members of staff in your local office please. There are six members of staff in Barrow and four in Ulverston.’.

The tour operator employs 22,000 staff around the world, with 9,000 of them being in the UK.

Barrow MP John Woodcock said: “This is a dreadful situation and I am trying urgently to get in touch with the poor couple to see if there is anything I can do to help get them home."

A Thomas Cook spokesman aid: “All holiday packages are ATOL protected and there are no changes to our flights.”

In regards to Mr Cochrane they said: "I would advise them to speak to their rep for advice on the nearest medical facility or chemist to their hotel."