Newport Mum And Teenage Daughters On First Holiday Together For Five Years Among Those To Seek Legal Help After Falling Ill In Kefalonia

More than 30 British tourists have instructed lawyers to investigate after falling ill while holidaying at a five-star resort in Greece this summer. 

Specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have been instructed by around 35 holidaymakers who stayed at the Apollonion Asterias Resort and Spa on the island of Kefalonia, and who were struck down with gastric illness. 

A mum and her two teenage daughters on their first holiday together for five years were among those to fall ill. 

Newport family among UK holidaymakers to ask lawyers to investigate illness

Danielle Faulkner from Newport, South Wales, began experiencing sickness and diarrhoea on the second day of her family’s week-long holiday which cost £3,000 and was booked through tour operator TUI UK Limited.  

The 44-year-old, who has a suppressed immune system due to previously being diagnosed with the condition lupus, lost consciousness, and had to be helped by daughter Isobel. Danielle, a business change manager, was treated by a resort doctor. She was given antibiotics and anti-sickness injections.

Danielle’s daughters, Amelie, 15, and 17-year-old Isobel, also fell ill. Other guests being sick at dining tables, in the swimming pool as well as in reception, and rodent droppings on sun loungers, were among the issues they reported.

Jatinder Paul is the specialist international injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who has been instructed by Danielle and her daughters as well as other families.

Expert Opinion

“We continue to be contacted by a growing number of people from across the UK who fell ill during holidays to this resort this summer.

“What’s of particular concern is that multiple families are reporting suffering the same serious symptoms and in a short timeframe. The ages of those affected range from one-year-old to 57.

“Naturally Danielle, Amelie, Isobel and others we represent, want answers as to how they became so unwell on a five-star holiday. We’re now investigating those concerns to provide them with the answers they deserve.

“Gastric illness can lead to serious and long-term health complications and its impact should never be downplayed. It’s vital that those with concerns about the resort are now supported.

“If during our investigations any issues are identified, action needs to be taken to reduce the risk of other holidaymakers falling ill in the future.

“We would be interested in speaking to anyone who may have been impacted by illness at this hotel who would be able to assist with our investigations.” Jatinder Paul

Holiday illness: South Wales mum Danielle Faulkner's story

Danielle, Amelie and Isobel travelled to the resort on 16 July. Danielle and Amelie fell ill with similar symptoms the following day. Three days later Isobel fell ill.

Danielle said after they fell ill, notices were put up outside the restaurant and pool area advising guests there had been sickness in the resort. 

She also said waiting staff were wearing masks and gloves, which she assumed was a Covid measure; tables weren’t cleaned between guests dining, plates of food were left outside rooms of guests and bags of rubbish were left overnight in corridors.  

Danielle reveals impact of gastric illness

Danielle said: “After the last few years and what everyone has been through with Covid and because we’ve not been away together as a family for so long, we felt we deserved a break. My daughters have worked incredibly hard at school and have achieved amazing exam results.

"We’d researched where to go for weeks and looked at various options. We chose the resort as it looked like everything we wanted. We made sacrifices and saved hard for months to enjoy what we thought would be a special holiday on which we’d create memories together. 

“However, the enthusiasm and excitement we had about our holiday quickly vanished. On only the second day myself and Amelie were struck down. It was awful. We couldn’t even keep down water down and in 40-degree heat that was incredibly worrying. Amelie said that she’d never been so ill in her life. 

“To then make matters worse Isobel fell ill a few days after. 

Family want answers after Greece holiday sickness

“The holiday quickly went from what we hoped would be a dream trip to a disaster. What’s even more concerning is that we weren’t alone. We saw other holidaymakers being sick in front of the other guests and others were complaining about hygiene standards.

“The last thing you expect when you book a five-star luxury holiday is for it to be wiped out by illness. I wish we’d never have booked the holiday.

“We know nothing can turn the clock back and make up for what’s happened, but the least we feel we deserve is answers as to why the holiday turned into a nightmare.” 

Find out more about our expertise in supporting people affected by serious illness or injury abroad at our dedicated holiday accidents and illness section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert, contact us or call 0370 1500 100.