Wirral family’s five-star holiday in Egypt ‘completely ruined’

Clare and Robert Green travelled to the Jaz Aquamarine resort in Hurghada with Clare’s three children, Harry, Oliver and Teddy Holt, on July 21 this year.  They were also joined by Clare’s mum Denise Neil and dad Raymond Eaton.

The family, from Wallasey, booked their two-week stay through tour operator TUI UK Ltd, paying around £1,700 per person.

A few days into their holiday, they were joined by family friend Clare Taylor, her son Jack Burgwin and daughter, Lilah Mae Close.

During the trip, they were all struck down with serious gastric symptoms including, diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps.  Clare Green, 38, attended a hospital in Egypt, where she was placed on a drip and given intravenous (IV) antibiotics.

Clare Green was placed on an IV drip during her holiday (Image: NQ)

Clare Green said: “We had saved so long for our family holiday and were all really looking forward to it. By the end of the first week, however, both me and Teddy were very unwell. 

“Over the next few days, we were all struck down with it. Our holiday was completely ruined.

“I remember feeling so ill that I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I ended up going to hospital where I was put on a drip. The whole experience was horrific and we all wish we’d never booked it. The worst part was seeing my children ill and not being well enough myself to comfort them.”

Clare Green, an accounts manager, was the first to fall ill, on 26 July, followed by Teddy and Denise the day after.  Robert, a drayman, and Oliver began to feel unwell on 28 July, with Harry and Raymond’s symptoms starting 31 July.  That same day, Clare attended hospital due to her condition worsening.

Clare Taylor and her children (Image: NQ)

Clare added: “We did a lot of research into the resort, but it was only after I became sick that I heard others had been unwell.

“The thing that stands out to me was the food.  It was left uncovered with new food added to food already there. It was never piping hot either, and quite often I’d see flies around it. I also recall that the pool was closed and we were told it was due to contamination, which really doesn’t sound good.

“We’ve been back a few weeks now and other than Teddy, we’re all still feeling pretty rough.  While we can’t change what happened, we just want some answers.  It’s the least we deserve.”

Meanwhile, maternity support worker Clare Taylor and her children stayed at the Jaz Aquamarine Resort between 24 and 31 July.  Their holiday was to celebrate two-year-old Lilah Mae having undergone successful heart surgery last year.

Four days into the holiday, Jack also fell ill (Image: NQ)

Four days in, Jack fell ill, with Clare being struck down the following day.  Jack’s illness lasted two days, however Clare’s symptoms are ongoing despite seeing her GP.

On their return to the UK, Clare, 10-year-old Oliver, Raymond, 66, and Denise, 68, all saw their GP regarding their illness.  Clare was found to be dehydrated with high blood pressure.

While eight-year-old Teddy has recovered, Clare, 37-year-old Robert, Oliver and Harry, 13, are continuing to experience symptoms.  Raymond and Denise also have ongoing stomach cramps and diarrhoea.

Clare Taylor, 38, and 14-year-old Jack were also struck down with diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps while in Egypt.  In addition, Clare began passing blood and Jack developed a fever.

Clare Taylor said: “The holiday was supposed to be an enjoyable time for us all, and we’re disappointed and upset that it was ruined by illness.

“It was particularly worrying for us as Lilah is vulnerable due to her heart surgery, and I was scared that she would fall ill.  Thankfully she managed to escape it.

“I still can’t believe our trip turned out the way it did, but we need to know why.”

The group has since involved lawyers to investigate their illnesses.

Sarita Sharma, the specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the family, said: “The first-hand account we’ve heard from Clare Green and her family and friends about their illnesses is very worrying.  That Clare had to attend hospital abroad and be put on a drip is of particular concern.

“Most of the group are still suffering following their return home and understandably have many questions over how they fell ill.  We’re now investigating their concerns. If, during the course of our investigation any issues are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to help prevent other holidaymakers from falling ill in the future.

“Gastric illness is serious and in some cases can lead to long-term and debilitating health problems.  The impact of it should never be downplayed.”