Mum-Of-Two Diagnosed With Gastroenteritis During Stay At Five-Star Royal Seginus Hotel In Antalya

A mum-of-two hospitalised after being struck down with severe gastric illness on holiday has asked lawyers to investigate.

Jennifer Bowditch, 41, from Ware, Hertfordshire, fell ill with “severe sickness and diarrhoea” during a family holiday to the five-star Royal Seginus Hotel, Lara Beach Resort in Antalya, Turkey. 

She was taken by ambulance to hospital and diagnosed with gastroenteritis and colitis.  

Jennifer asks lawyers to investigate illness linked to Turkey holiday

Jennifer, a football coaching director, has now instructed expert international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her illness during her family’s holiday costing almost £8,000 and booked through tour operator TUI. 

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

Expert Opinion

“Jennifer’s account of her experiences while on holiday is deeply disturbing. The impact of gastric illness should never be downplayed.

“That Jennifer spent time in hospital and was diagnosed with gastroenteritis demonstrates the severity of her illness.

“Understandably Jennifer has a number of concerns over how her family’s holiday was ruined by her illness. We’re now investigating those concerns and are determined to provide her with the answers she deserves.

“Jennifer understands other holidaymakers to the resort were ill at the same time. As part of our investigations, we’d be interested in hearing from anyone else who was staying at the hotel at the same time.” Jatinder Paul

Holiday illness: Jennifer Bowditch's story

Jennifer was away from 2 to 9 August, 2024, with her husband, Ben, 40, mum, Janice, 67, and sons Jude and Cruse, aged nine and six. 

Three days into the holiday, Jennifer began to suffer from severe diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and cramps. She was admitted to hospital on 5 August at 11pm. Jennifer was placed on an intravenous drip. She left the hospital at 9pm on 6 August, still unwell, but wishing to be with her family and after already racking up a £2,000 medical bill.

Jennifer said the family had a number of concerns about standards at the hotel from the start and had a meeting with the TUI rep, the hotel director, assistant and the head of customer relations on 7 August to discuss these in more detail. She said TUI tried to move the family to an alternative hotel but was unable to make arrangements.

Jennifer said her family’s concerns included food appeared to be raw and undercooked. On a number of occasions she saw poo in the swimming pool and staff fishing it out with a net. However, she said there was no attempt to clean up properly.

Mum says illness meant Royal Seginus Hotel holiday became one of worst experiences of her life

Jennfier said: “This was meant to be a special family treat and was paid for by my mum. Instead, it became one of the worst experiences of my life and caused significant distress for me and my family.

"I think I fell ill after eating chicken on 5 August. I was fine beforehand but then my sickness came on within a few hours. At first, I felt tired but then I started with the most severe sickness and diarrhoea imaginable. 

“We hadn’t left the resort before my illness. The first time I did was to go to hospital. 

“I’m a very fit and healthy person and promote the same lifestyle for my children. Yet after I fell ill, we only allowed our children to eat what we considered unhealthy food because we no longer trusted the food at the hotel. 

“I came home from that holiday grey, thin, and malnourished. 

“Even after returning to the UK, I had to slowly reintroduce healthier foods, as my stomach has remained extremely sensitive. I felt weak, looked visibly unwell and had lost weight, which left me feeling paranoid. I’m still nervous now when eating and I’m not sure I’ll want to go abroad again.

“I’ve tried to raise my concerns with TUI but feel I’ve wasted hours. However, I’m not letting this rest and so feel I’ve been left with no choice but to ask lawyers to investigate so to not only get answers but raise awareness of what I went through so hopefully others don’t have to.”

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.