Many Still Being Affected Following Return Home

More than 65 holidaymakers have instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate after they were struck down with severe gastric illness, including salmonella, while staying at a four-star hotel.

Dozens of people have complained of similar problems of being severely unwell during their stay at the Holiday Village Lanzarote.

Children as young as nine-months-old and a pregnant woman are among those affected.

Families from Slough, Dukinfield and Sidcup are among those to have instructed Irwin Mitchell following their illness at the hotel which is also known as the Rio Playa Blanca hotel.

The families all stayed at the resort in June and July after booking their holidays through tour operator TUI UK LTD.

They reported suffering from severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting, as well as nausea and a raise in temperature.

Lawyers have now written to the tour operator TUI UK LTD on behalf of the holidaymakers as it seeks answers on their clients’ behalf.

Expert Opinion

“At this time of year, there are obviously a lot of holidaymakers heading off for the summer, and it is deeply concerning to hear that so many people have told us about suffering gastric illness at the resort.

“The effects of gastric illness should never be downplayed and many people can be left with lasting health problems as a result. Instead of a relaxing summer break our clients have been left suffering with horrible symptoms which has had a major impact on their holidays.

“Sadly, many of our clients are continuing to be affected following their return home and we need to know if more could have been done to prevent their ordeal.

“As part of our investigations, we are keen to hear from anyone who may have information about conditions at the Holiday Village Lanzarote / Rio Playa Blanca in June and July this year.”
Amandeep Singh Samra - Associate Solicitor

Dukinfield, Cheshire
Darren Evans, 34, and his family flew to Lanzarote on 28 July for a one-week all inclusive break booked through TUI UK Limited.

By the end of their second day, Darren was suffering from diarrhoea, a high temperature, shivers, headaches and nausea.  His two children, 17-month-old Myla and six-year-old Jack, also fell unwell with similar gastric symptoms and upon return to the UK they had to see a GP.  Both children were confirmed to have contracted salmonella.

On their return to the UK, Darren’s partner Nicole, 34, complained to TUI.

Following on from his gastric illness, Darren is still suffering from the after effects and has had to restrict his diet.

He said: “We were all really excited about going to Lanzarote, but the holiday was completely ruined.

“It was bad enough that I was unwell, but to also see our children suffer was awful.

“I wasn’t able to eat for four days after falling ill, and I am still feeling the effects of it now.  I’ve even had to change my diet.”

Darren recalled that some of the food at the hotel was left uncovered and was often only served lukewarm.  He also told his legal team that on occasions the cutlery and crockery were dirty, and staff did not always wipe down the tables.

He added: “We really need to know what caused us to become so unwell.  No family should have to suffer the way we have.”

Slough, Berkshire
Sharon Hodgeson, 52, went to Lanzarote with her daughter and son-in law, Sarah and Albert Iseberi, and her four grandchildren.

The group arrived at the hotel on 22 July to enjoy a two-week all-inclusive holiday.  However, within four days, Sarah – who is five-months pregnant – began suffering diarrhoea, stomach cramps and a high temperature.

Two days later, Sharon was struck down with severe stomach cramps, which continued for around four or five days.  She began suffering from diarrhoea the day before her flight home.  She also complained of hot and cold sweats and feeling lethargic.

All members of the family fell ill during the holiday with similar symptoms.  Sharon is still feeling the after effects of the illness, while Sarah and Albert’s nine-month-old daughter Rubi has had to visit the hospital on a number of occasions to get antibiotics to assist with her recovery.

Sharon said: “I was looking forward to a summer holiday with my family but it turned into a total nightmare. 

“We spent a lot of money on this trip and it wasn’t just one or two of our group that got sick, it was all of us.  I was really worried about Sarah as she is pregnant and it was horrible seeing her so unwell. 

“Even now, I am still not completely better, and my granddaughter Rubi is still receiving medical treatment.

“This is really not how a holiday should be, and we need to know how this happened.”

Albert added: “I am a chef and I was disappointed with the food that was provided at the hotel restaurant. On occasions the food was undercooked and the food was not served at the correct temperature. I also witnessed on occasions new food being brought out and being added to the old food.” 

Sidcup, Kent
Emily Martin, 27, an admin worker for the NHS, travelled to Lanzarote with her husband George, also 27, and their children in June.

Emily developed issues including diarrhoea and stomach cramps within a few days of being at the hotel.

George and their children also suffered from similar symptoms, and their daughter Dulcie, now 18-months-old, was subsequently admitted to hospital whilst in Lanzarote due to her symptoms.

Emily said: “From the point the family started to feel unwell the holiday was just an absolute ordeal. There were issues with some of the food. Some of the food on occasions was served uncovered, undercooked and was not served at the correct temperature.

“I know of others who were also affected and it is just massively disappointing. We want to know how this happened and whether steps can be taken to stop it happening again.”

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