Lecturer Needed Hospital Treatment And Time Off Work After Problems

A man who needed hospital treatment after he developed serious gastric illness during a stay at a Moroccan holiday resort has approached legal experts to investigate the cause of his illness.

Kevin Marshall, 46, from Chichester, was ‘devastated’ when he developed problems including lethargy, stomach pains, diarrhoea and vomiting towards the end of his week-long all-inclusive stay at the four-star Riu Tikida Garden resort in Marrakech, with his partner Leigh Guilfoyle, 44, and son Marley Campbell, 15.

While he initially tried to battle through the illness, the severity of the symptoms led him to seek medical treatment at hospital on his return to the UK. Tests confirmed that he was suffering from infectious gastroenteritis.

Kevin has now approached Irwin Mitchell’s specialist international injury team to investigate his illness and help him to gain answers as to what caused it.

The legal experts have vast experience of providing advice and support to thousands of people who have suffered injury and illness during holidays, helping them to access vital financial support to aid their recovery in the process. The team has recovered millions of pounds in compensation from tour operators, including representing over 600 holidaymakers who were affected by illness at the Holiday Village Hotel in Turkey, and over 1000 people who fell ill following holidays at the Bahia Principe in the Dominican Republic. The firm also notably acts for over 50 holidaymakers who suffered illness at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel, Egypt.

Expert Opinion

“We are hugely concerned by the issues that Kevin faced during his time at this holiday resort and we are now determined to help him gain answers regarding what he went through.

This type of case clearly puts a spotlight on how serious gastric illness can be, with symptoms often persisting indefinitely.

We are now investigating what Kevin experienced. If, during the course of our investigation, any issues are identified it is vital that lessons are learned to improve hygiene standards for holidaymakers. 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 Riu Tikida Garden resort in Marrakech.”
Jatinder Paul - Partner

Kevin’s holiday at the Riu Tikida Garden resort, which was booked through TUI, began on 5 August 2019. He was coming to the end of his stay when he developed symptoms on 10 August.

The event logistics expert and college lecturer said: “I started feeling unwell in the afternoon. At first it was lethargy and stomach pains, however, by the evening I was really struggling.

“Leigh and Marley were also unwell at that point. We had to spend a full day of the holiday just in our room trying to recover. This was supposed to be a special family holiday and it certainly did not pan out as we had hoped. We were devastated by what happened.

Kevin added: “I saw a few issues at the resort which concerned me.  For example, I often saw birds flying around the restaurants which were pecking at food scraps and landing on tables whilst hotel guests were eating, and the swimming pool water was sometimes cloudy."

Kevin fought the illness through the rest of the holiday but, with the symptoms persisting, he knew that he would require treatment when he returned to the UK.

He said: “I couldn’t believe it when I was diagnosed with gastroenteritis – I was so angry and frustrated. It had a massive impact on me, both in terms of my wellbeing and also my working life.

“The nature of my work means that I operate through agencies and I was unable to take up shifts during that time. I believe it amounted to around three or four days of lost earnings.

“When you go on holiday you don’t expect to fall ill. Nothing can make up for what has happened. I just hope that no one else ever has to go through what we have.”

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