Ray Evans Was On Holiday In Mongolia With Wife Susan When They Both Fell Ill

A man has launched legal action against GR Travel Group Ltd trading as GoRussia after a Trans-Siberian trip of a lifetime was ruined by severe gastric illness, which left him needing urgent medical care.

Raymond and Susan Evans, from Kenilworth, Warwickshire, were on holiday travelling on the Trans-Siberian Railway from Russia To Beijing from September 3, when they fell ill with gastric symptoms following their stay at Gorkhi-Terelj National Park in Mongolia.

The retired couple instructed expert international personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell after Raymond was rushed to hospital as soon as they touched down back home at Heathrow on September 19, where he was diagnosed with suspected Campylobacter which may have also affected his kidney function.

Campylobacter is a bacterial illness often caused by raw and undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk or contaminated water.

Raymond, 64, was treated with antibiotics and fluids and kept under observation at St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey, for two days before being discharged. Tests after a month following admission showed that his kidneys had returned to normal but it is not clear if there is any lasting damage. Raymond is a keen long distance cyclist and was unable to pursue his hobby for some time.

Expert Opinion

“For Raymond to be told his kidneys were not functioning properly demonstrates the severity of this type of illness and he still has some time to go before he will know the full extent of any long term effects.

“Campylobacter is the most common cause of food poisoning and from our work we understand just how serious it can be and the life-changing impact these kinds of illnesses can have on those unfortunate enough to develop them.

“We are now carrying out our investigations to determine how Raymond and Susan managed to contract the suspected campylobacter while on holiday and we would urge anyone else who suffered similar illness issues while staying at the campsite at Gorkhi-Terelj National Park to contact us as they may be able to help with our enquiries.” Jennifer Downing - Solicitor

Raymond and Susan were staying in a ger, a Mongolian tent, in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia on day 11 of their trip after which they – and others on the tour – began to suffer with sickness and diarrhoea.

The couple believe that it may have been undercooked chicken that caused their illness.

With only one night’s stay booked at Ulan Bator after Gorkhi-Terelj, the group then had to press ahead by train the following day, with some forced to disembark the train at each station go to the toilet because the toilets on board were automatically locked when the train was stationery.

Raymond said: “It was hideous. We were so unwell and all we wanted to do was curl up and try to sleep it off, but that simply wasn’t an option.

“The journey back to the UK was miserable and I was so weak and disoriented when we landed that I couldn’t even walk properly. When the doctors told me my kidneys weren’t working it was terrifying.

“Now I am just angry that there weren’t better hygiene standards in place to keep us safe. It was a terrible and pretty undignified end to an otherwise wonderful trip.”
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Both Raymond and Susan are still suffering from ill health four months on from their holiday.