Family Instruct Lawyers To Investigate After Stay At Five-Star Desert Rose Hotel In Hurghada

A Twickenham toddler had to undergo emergency surgery after being diagnosed with a serious bacterial infection and kidney failure following a holiday to Egypt.

Freya Finnigan-Haynes was staying at the five-star Desert Rose Resort in Hurghada with her mum Victoria Finnigan, 25, and her mum’s partner Thomas Sloan, 24, when they all fell ill with gastric symptoms.

The holiday, which was booked through tour operator Loveholidays, cost over £2,000.

Following their return home to the UK, Thomas recovered within a few weeks.

Toddler taken to hospital after condition deteriorates

However, both Victoria and Freya were diagnosed with E. coli. Over the next two days, Freya’s condition deteriorated, with her hands, feet and lips turning blue. She was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Both of Freya’s kidneys failed and she was transferred to another hospital for surgery to insert dialysis tubes.  She was put on dialysis for three weeks and underwent four blood transfusions, remaining in hospital over Christmas.

International serious injury lawyers help family

Victoria, a home carer, and Thomas, a car body repairer, have now instructed expert international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate their illness.

Jatinder Paul is the specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the family.

Expert Opinion

“The first-hand accounts we’ve heard from Victoria and Thomas are deeply concerning.

“The impact of gastric illness should never be downplayed. That Freya went on to develop kidney failure and had to undergo dialysis as a result, demonstrates the severity of what can happen.

“Understandably, Victoria and Thomas have a number of concerns over how their holiday was ruined by illness. We’re now investigating those concerns and are determined to provide the family with the answers they deserve.” Jatinder Paul

Holiday illness: Freya Finnigan-Haynes' story

The family were on holiday from 29 November to 9 December, 2024.

Only a few days into their holiday, both Victoria and Thomas were suffering from sickness and diarrhoea.  Freya fell ill with similar symptoms on the plane home a week later.

While Victoria and Thomas recovered within a few weeks of returning home, due to the impact of kidney failure, Freya was hospitalised until New Year’s Eve.  She now has to take folic acid daily and will have to undergo check-ups every year until she’s 18.

Mum relives 'traumatic' experience after daughter diagnosed with kidney failure

Victoria said: “We’d been looking forward to our holiday for a long time and couldn’t wait to get out there and enjoy some winter sun.

“Instead, it turned into one of the worst experiences of our lives.  It was awful when Thomas and I fell ill, but I hoped that Freya had escaped it.  Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.

“To see my darling girl so unwell was incredibly traumatic, and to be told that she was suffering kidney failure devastated me.  All I wanted to do was make her better.  Sadly, she’ll have to have regular check-ups for a long time.

"We know we can’t change what happened but the least we deserve are some answers, especially for Freya.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people following illness or an accident abroad at our dedicated holiday accident and illness claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.