Lawyers And Wife Call For Improved Hygiene After She And Husband Fall Ill During Holiday To Occidental Jandia Playa Resort

A widow is warning of the dangers of salmonella after an inquest concluded her husband died of food poisoning contracted on holiday. 

Leslie Green, from Little Lever, Bolton, was struck down with severe illness during the second week of a holiday at the Occidental Jandia Playa resort in Fuerteventura. 

The 70-year-old was admitted to hospital. He was diagnosed with salmonella, but developed sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the body attacks itself in response to an infection. The retired Manchester Evening News delivery driver, died in hospital in Fuerteventura from multi-organ failure four weeks after falling ill.

Leslie’s wife of 38 years, Julie, also fell ill a week after the start of her husband’s illness – her 60th birthday. She spent one week in hospital. 

Julie asks lawyers to investigate how Bolton couple contracted salmonella on holiday

Following her husband’s death, the retired NHS nurse, instructed specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate and secure answers. 

Julie and her legal team have now issued a hygiene safety warning. 

It comes after an inquest at Rochdale Coroner’s Court found Leslie died from an illness he contracted as a result of eating partially cooked chicken. 

Julie had told the court she and Leslie had only eaten in the hotel during their holiday. 

It cost more than £2,300 and was booked through Jet2 Holidays to celebrate their 70th and 60th birthdays. 

Legal expert's food poisoning warning following Leslie's death in The Canary Islands

Jennifer Hodgson is the expert international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Julie.

Expert Opinion

“Julie and the rest of her family remain devastated by Leslie’s death and the circumstances surrounding it.

“Understandably they’ve had a number of concerns about how Leslie contracted his infection. Sadly, the inquest has validated their concerns, hearing worrying evidence.

“What happened to Leslie vividly highlights the impact of salmonella and why it, and other gastric illnesses, should never be downplayed.

“While nothing can make up for the ordeal Julie and her family have been through, it’s now vital that lessons are learned to improve hygiene for other holidaymakers in the future.

“We continue to support Julie at this distressing time.” Jennifer Hodgson

Salmonella: Leslie and Julie Green's story

Leslie and Julie, who have two daughters and one grandchild, arrived at the Occidental Jandia Playa on 1 October, 2024. 

Leslie fell ill on 9 October with symptoms including diarrhoea, which led to dehydration. 

He was seen by the in-resort doctor on 12 October and taken by ambulance to the local clinic to be given fluids. His condition did not improve, and he was admitted to hospital the following day. 

Leslie was placed in an induced coma, but doctors said they could do nothing further for him. Leslie, who had turned 70 in July 2024, died hours after his life-support machine was switched off on 4 November. 

His body was repatriated a week later. 

The inquest found Leslie died of multi-organ failure as a result of sepsis, caused by salmonella.

Julie fell ill on 16 October. She was admitted to hospital the following day. 

Julie, who had remained in Fuerteventura at the end of her holiday to be at her husband’s bedside was discharged from hospital on 24 October. 

The couple’s daughter, Becci, 35, flew out to support her parents and to be at her dad’s bedside when his life-support machine was switched off. Sadly, their eldest daughter, Sarah, 39, who is in end stage renal failure, had recently been discharged from intensive care and was not medically fit to fly.

Julie and Becci waited in Fuerteventura so they could be on Leslie’s repatriation flight on 12 November.

Following her return home, Julie was affected by bowel related issues following her salmonella infection in Fuerteventura.

Julie issues holiday illness warning

Julie said: “It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe the last few months and trying to come to terms with Leslie’s death. 

“Leslie was such a loving and caring husband and dad. He was my best friend and life without him will never be the same. 

“I still struggle to comprehend how we went on holiday, but Leslie didn’t come home. Leslie was the head of our family and someone everyone looked to for help and guidance. There’s now a gaping hole in our family that can never be filled. 

“I’d do anything not to be in this position and for Leslie to be in our lives, but I know that’s not possible. Listening to the evidence has been difficult but it was something I was determined to do to honour Leslie’s memory. 

“I just hope that by speaking out I can prevent anyone else suffering like Leslie did. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting families affected by serious illnesses such as salmonella on holiday at our dedicated holiday sickness claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.