Woman Continues To Suffer Gastric Problems Almost 12 Months On

A woman who is continuing to suffer almost a year on from developing salmonella during a wedding anniversary break at a Mexican holiday resort has instructed lawyers to investigate the issues she and her husband endured.

Jackie Reynolds, 57, from Barnsley in South Yorkshire, developed gastric illness symptoms including severe diarrhoea and vomiting just days into the holiday with her husband Alan, 43, at the four-star Club Hotel Riu Tequila in September 2016 booked through TUI UK Limited trading as Thomson.

Following the break – which was booked to mark their sixth wedding anniversary – she called her GP who asked for her to provide a stool sample.  Upon attending her GP for the results she was advised that she had contracted salmonella. Nearly 12 months on from the holiday, she continues to suffer gastric symptoms and sensitivity to certain foods.

The couple have now instructed specialist lawyers in Irwin Mitchell’s International Personal Injury team to investigate the illness Jackie suffered.

Nichola Blackburn, an expert in the International Personal Injury team at Irwin Mitchell who is representing the couple, said:

Expert Opinion

“Our clients are understandably devastated by the illness Jackie contracted during what was meant to be a special holiday to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

“Sadly, through our work we have seen numerous cases of this nature in which precious time away with loved ones has been ruined by gastric illness problems, with victims also often going on to develop long-lasting health conditions as a result.

“As such, the seriousness of these issues should never be underestimated and we are determined to help our clients not only secure justice but also answers regarding what caused Jackie to fall ill.” Nichola Blackburn - Paralegal

Jackie and Alan’s holiday at the Club Hotel Riu Tequila started on September 11th 2016, with the former developing illness symptoms just three days later.

She recalled: “We had visited the hotel twice before in both 2010 and 2015 so we felt comfortable going back there and we never expected that either of us would fall ill like I did. During our stay we had spotted issues like chefs on occasions not wearing gloves when handling the food and food sometimes being served lukewarm.

“Following falling ill I managed to get in touch with our rep and went to get some anti-sickness tablets at a local pharmacy, but despite that the remainder of the holiday was still completely ruined.

“Most of the time I was unable to get out of bed and it was hugely frustrating for Alan, who would spend days just laid next to me. I was desperate for him to go out and enjoy the resort but he did not want to spend the time alone. It was awful.

“My stomach can get very sensitive now when I eat certain foods, including meals I used to enjoy a lot such as Chinese or spicy meals.

“This was supposed to be such a special holiday for us but now it will only be memorable for all of the wrong reasons. We both feel we deserve answers about what happened and what caused me to fall ill.”