A CORK mother-of-one is refusing to let coronavirus fears stand in the way of her family’s dream to start a new life in Tenerife.

Mia Bowen from Model Farm Road will leave for the sunny island with her partner Ross and their two-year-old son Levi next week. The family have overcome many painful events in the last number of years which fuelled their desire for a fresh start.

They made the decision to move abroad after being denied access to social housing three times.

The social media influencer, who documents her family’s adventures on Instagram, told of how Ross almost lost his life to a blood infection and Levi was born and diagnosed with a blood disorder that led him to require seven blood transfusions in his first year.

Speaking about coronavirus, Mia said: “I don’t listen to the news. It’s not that I don’t believe it. I just know that things get blown out of proportion.

“Unless the flights get cancelled we’re still going to go. I don’t see the point of living a life ruled by fear. If we all lived that way then nobody would ever leave the house.”

She questioned whether it would be possible to contain the virus in Ireland.

"It's obvious that it's only a matter of time before someone in Ireland becomes infected," she said. "I'd rather be in Tenerife if this breaks out than at home. 

"With the way the Irish health system is, I don't think they'll be able to contain it."

The 25-year-old said she and the family will be taking as many precautions as they can.

"If things get worse then we'll just stay in our apartment. It's the same thing as getting pneumonia. We're just going to take as many precautions as possible and disinfect our hands as much as we can."

Mia is looking forward to the future and feels her son will have a better life in Tenerife.

"I've always loved Ireland but I know that Levi will have a better life where we're going," she said. "Instead of staying in to play playstation while it's raining he will be able to go to the beach or go swimming in the pool. 

"Ross and I have spent 12 weeks learning the language in UCC and we really feel like this is the right time to go."

Readers can receive updates on Mia, Ross and Levi’s journey on Instagram - @taketheriskfamily.