Investigation Launched Into Concerns Regarding Magic Life Manar

A Lancashire man, whose stay at a Tunisian holiday resort last year was ‘ruined’ after he developed serious gastric illness, has called on specialist lawyers to help him gain answers and justice regarding the ‘nightmare’.

Neil Bamford, 62, from Chorley, has revealed how he developed devastating symptoms including severe vomiting and associated abdominal pain just days into his week-long break at the Magic Life Manar resort, booked through tour operator TUI, with his wife Sandra in September of last year.

The problems proved so severe that the retired aircraft engineer not only required treatment from a doctor while at the resort, but Neil also needed further support from his own GP as the symptoms persisted following his return home to the UK.

Now, Neil has approached Irwin Mitchell’s specialist holiday illness team to investigate the illness he suffered and help him gain answers regarding how the issue emerged. The legal experts have vast experience in providing support to those who have suffered injury or illness at holiday resorts across the globe.

Expert Opinion

“We are hugely concerned by the first-hand account provided to us and we have now commenced investigations into Neil’s illness.

“A case like this highlights how the seriousness of holiday illness problems should never be downplayed, with Neil’s symptoms not only ruining his precious time away with his wife but also affecting him on his return to the UK.

“We are determined to help him gain answers regarding these problems and hope that our work will ensure that lessons can be learned, so that no one else suffers in a similar manner in the future.

“We have already begun our own investigation into the holiday and are keen to determine what caused Neil to fall ill. As part of our work and to assist with our investigations, we would be keen to hear from anyone else who may also have been affected by illness whilst staying at the Magic Life Manar, Tunisia."
Jennifer Hodgson - Senior Associate Solicitor

Neil’s stay at the Magic Life Manar resort began on 11 September last year and he fell ill just four days into the holiday.

He recalled: “The illness was absolutely horrendous and meant that the rest of the holiday was just completely written off. Even though I saw a doctor I could barely leave my room and, to make matters worse, I was so reliant on my wife that she did not get to enjoy the break either.

“The whole holiday was completely ruined and it is devastating to think that we were just desperate to get back home. It was a nightmare and we will always remember the holiday for all of the wrong reasons.”

Neil added that he saw a number of issues which concerned him at the resort.

He explained: “I had seen problems like at times meals being reheated in the microwave, as well as dishes like lasagne on occasions being served when they were still frozen in the middle. I also saw chefs on occasions adding raw chicken to cooked chicken and at some points noticed cockroaches outside of the restaurant. Despite this, I never thought for a second that I would fall ill.

“I am certain that I was not the only one affected either, as some holidaymakers on the way home also complained about problems and talked about the amount of weight they’d lost due to the illness. I was also concerned to read the number of trip advisor reviews which refer to illness and concerns with cleanliness in the resort. It is shocking to think about what I went through and it is clear that I deserve answers regarding what has happened.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling holiday illness cases