As Britons Flock To Gran Canaria For Winter Sun, British Mum Struck Down By Legionnaires’ Disease Issues Urgent Warning

Gran Canaria is one of the UK’s favourite winter sun destinations. As temperatures drop at home, thousands of holidaymakers will be packing their bags for golden beaches and warm skies. But one British woman is urging others to take care after her dream trip left her fighting for her life.

Juliet Leith, from Maidstone, Kent, became seriously ill while on holiday at the four-star TUI BLUE Suite Princess in Playa Taurito, Gran Canaria. What began as flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and breathlessness quickly worsened, leaving her confused and disoriented. A doctor was urgently called to assess her condition.

The 58-year-old was admitted to a nearby hospital and placed in intensive care after developing severe pneumonia. Despite initial treatment, her condition deteriorated, and she was placed in an induced coma for four days. Doctors warned her two daughters – Jenny Gower, 38, and Josie Leith, 34 – that she may not survive, prompting them to fly from the UK to be by her side.

After 12 days in ICU, she had recovered enough to return home.

Upon landing at Gatwick Airport, Juliet was immediately transferred to Maidstone Hospital for further assessment and treatment. After receiving ongoing care, she has now been discharged and referred to a respiratory consultant. Juliet continues her recovery as an outpatient under specialist supervision.

“With the Canaries being a popular winter sun destination, we’d urge holidaymakers to take care. Legionnaires’ disease can take several days from coming into contact with the Legionella bacteria that causes it before symptoms start to appear. If any members of the public start experiencing symptoms, it’s crucial that they seek immediate medical advice.

“As part of our investigation, we would like to hear from anyone who became ill while staying at the TUI BLUE Suite Princess, Gran Canaria.”

Juliet arrived at the resort with her sister, Maureen, on 18 September 2025. On 22 September 2025 she began to suffer from flu-like symptoms. Julie was admitted to hospital four days later.

Juliet, a retired primary school teacher, said: “When I first started feeling unwell, I thought it was just flu or maybe COVID. Legionnaires’ disease never even crossed my mind! I’d never heard much about it and honestly believed it was something from the past.

“I have very vague memories of being in hospital and I didn’t realise how serious things were until I woke up and was told I’d been in an induced coma for four days. That was a huge shock. I couldn’t believe how close I’d come to dying – later the doctors told me my chances of survival were only around 20% and the initial treatment hadn’t worked.

“The hardest part was knowing my children had seen me like that. Even now, I’m still missing chunks of memory and trying to process what happened.

“I never imagined Legionnaires could be so serious and I believe there needs to be more awareness on its symptoms and how dangerous it can be. Only after my diagnosis did I learn that simple steps like running showers and checking air conditioning units can help prevent Legionnaires.”

“I know I’m one of the lucky ones. Now, I just want answers and hope that by sharing my experience, we can stop others from finding themselves in the same situation.”