More Than 70 Pupils and Teachers Reportedly Fall Ill with One Hospitalised Following Stay At Four Star Hotel In Brescia

Parents of schoolchildren from Gainsborough have asked lawyers to investigate after their teenagers were struck down with gastric illness during a skiing trip to Italy.

The three parents include Nicholas Brunozzi, whose son Valentino, 13, was among 70 pupils and nine teachers who reportedly fell ill with gastric illness during a school trip to the four-star Hotel Piandineve, in Brescia.

The week-long holiday from 30 March to 5 April, 2024, was booked through tour operator Skibound. For many it was their first ski holiday abroad.

Valentino was among those at Queen Elizabeth’s High School that were struck down with severe stomach cramps and vomiting on 1 April. He was confined to his room for 48 hours.

Teenager loses over a stone in weight

Valentino wasn’t seen by a doctor in Italy, despite his parents’ saying they requested that he should be. Nicholas, 57, took his son to see his GP on his return home, by which time Valentino had lost over a stone in weight. Another student was reportedly hospitalised in Italy as a result of his symptoms.

Families instruct lawyers to investigate how their children fell ill

Nicholas and two other families have now instructed specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate and secure answers as to how their children fell ill.

The legal experts, who have vast experience of securing compensation for victims of serious gastric illness in the UK and across the world, are investigating whether the tour operator could have done more to prevent the illnesses.

Nadhia Akthar is the specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the group.

Expert Opinion

“The details we have heard about this school ski trip to Italy from parents and pupils is deeply concerning.

“It’s every parents’ worst nightmare to hear their children have fallen ill overseas. Understandably, Nicholas and our other clients have many questions concerning what happened.

“The effects of gastric illness should never be downplayed as they can lead to long-term health implications. That a pupil was admitted to hospital demonstrates the seriousness of this sickness outbreak.

“In addition to being so ill, many of the party missed out on what was meant to be a first time away from home for some and the holiday of a lifetime, which will now be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

"Tour operators have a legal duty to ensure the wellbeing and safety of their customers and we’re now investigating whether Skibound took all appropriate measures.

“If during our investigation, any issues are identified, it’s vital lessons are learned so others don’t suffer a similar experience.

“We would be interested in speaking to anyone who may have been impacted by this outbreak who would be able to assist with our investigations.” Nadhia Akthar, International Serious Injury Lawyer

Valentino’s story

Valentino had been looking forward to the ski trip with the school for some time, as a holiday away with friends and a chance to improve his ski skills.

On 1 April, Valentino, together with 68 of his fellow pupils and nine of the teachers fell ill with severe gastric symptoms, including sickness and vomiting. Many like Valentino were confined to their rooms for 48 hours.

Valentino’s parents requested he see a doctor but this didn’t happen. A first doctor summoned to treat those ill at the hotel but only saw a handful of the sick. With no improvement and an increasing number of people becoming unwell, a second doctor was called who was meant to see all of the sick children, but Valentino was missed.

On returning home on 5 April, Valentino was still ill and his parents were so shocked by his appearance, they took him to see his GP. He was still unable to keep food down and had lost over a stone in weight. It took two weeks before he started to feel better, but he has not yet returned to his usual self.

Parents’ concerns

On returning home, Valentino told his parents a number of things that left them feeling very concerned about where the party had been staying.

He said food that fell on the floor was often picked up and replaced where it had come from and was often lukewarm. Chicken appeared to be undercooked and while they were told water was safe to drink, there was a switch to telling them to drink bottled water only.

Another concerned parent has relayed that she was informed by her child that when someone was sick in the dining room, no one was moved, but staff cleaned as people went on eating. There was also “old” vomit on walls in one of the rooms allocated to the students that was only cleaned when it was pointed out to hotel staff.

Valentino’s dad one of those calling for answers

Nicholas said: “We thought we were sending our son off on an adventure of a lifetime, to have experiences that he’d never forget, but we never imagined this would be the result.

“For so many to fall ill and one pupil to be taken to hospital is extremely disturbing. I know I want answers and I think many of the parents and no doubt the teachers themselves would also like answers over what happened.

“Valentino has lost so much weight and came back a shadow of the young man who went off on a school skiing holiday.

“We’ve also heard that another school that was there before ours had a similar experience to our children and that the hotel had sick guests for three weeks before our children arrived. If the tour operator knew there was a problem, the trip should have cancelled or postponed.

“We’re just relived our children are home. It sounds like this could have been far worse. I just hope that by speaking out other children or parents don’t have to face a similar situation going forward.”

Find out more about our expertise in helping holidaymakers and their families affected by serious illnesses at our dedicated illness abroad section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0808 291 1468.