Group Includes Several Children Who Remain Seriously Ill And Others Admitted To Hospital

More than 80 adults and children have instructed lawyers to investigate after being struck down with gastric illness including cryptosporidium, following visits to a Worcestershire farm over Easter.

Several of the group who visited Gannow Farm near Redditch have now come forward to tell their stories, including parents and children as young as one. Many of the families from Redditch and Birmingham have since been diagnosed with the parasitic infection, cryptosporidium.

They include teenagers forced to take time off from school and who fear their exam results will suffer as a consequence.

The visits to Gannow Farm took place in March and April.

Jatinder Paul is head of the specialist public health team at Irwin Mitchell, who is supporting the families.

Expert Opinion

“Since being initially approached by 20 people who had fallen seriously ill following visits to Gannow Farm, it’s deeply concerning that over 80 people have now come forward, all with similar stories to tell of being diagnosed with cryptosporidium following their visit.

“Cryptosporidium is known to cause gastrointestinal illness and can be a serious condition for many vulnerable groups, including children and older people. A type of microscopic parasite, cryptosporidium can cause illness in both humans and animals alike.

“It’s vital that people take the proper precautions to protect themselves and their families from the risk of infection.

“While welcome that the UK Health Security Agency is investigating, we’re committed to supporting our clients through what has been a terrible ordeal and securing for them the answers they deserve.

“If during the case of our investigations any issues are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve public safety.” Jatinder Paul

Birmingham Teenager Loses Over A Stone In Weight After Falling Ill Following Farm Visit

Emma Cleverley, 38 and her daughter Sophie Enright, 14, from Hollywood, Birmingham, visited Gannow Farm on 3 April. By 9 April, Sophie had started to become ill with diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting.

As Sophie’s condition deteriorated, Emma consulted a GP on 11 April. The doctor told her she was the fourth person he’d seen that day who had the same symptoms after visiting the farm. Sophie was prescribed anti-sickness medication and medication to ease her stomach cramps.

Sophie diagnosed with cryptosporidium

Four days later, Sophie’s symptoms had still not improved. She was taken back to the doctor and given a stronger dose of medication, plus nutrient shakes and co-codamol.

Sophie was diagnosed with cryptosporidium following tests.

Today, Sophie continues to suffer from debilitating symptoms, including stomach pains and lethargy and has lost more than a stone in weight. The illness meant Sophie had to take time off school and her head of year said her exam grades might suffer as a consequence.

Sophie’s story: Mum Emma says there are questions to answer

Emma, said: “Even now I can’t believe what has happened to Sophie since the farm visit back in April. She’s like another girl after what has been a frightening and uncertain experience.

“Having visited the doctors, she just never seemed to improve and as the weight fell off her, we became really concerned. We thought it was just a bug that would clear up but when they said it was cryptosporidium, terrible thoughts go through your mind.

“Sophie still isn’t well and she was devastated to have missed school in the run up to her mock exams and as suffered with her mental health as a result.”

“Our focus has been on seeing Sophie make a full recovery but given all of the people who’ve been so ill, I think there are questions to answer.”

The UK Health Security Agency and Wychavon District Council are continuing to investigate.

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