Aerospace Machine Operator Admitted To Intensive Care And Suffers Heart Failure Following Holiday To TUI Blue Atlantic Palace Hotel In Sorrento

A newlywed was left fighting for his life after contracting Legionnaires’ disease on honeymoon.

Thomas Coupland, from Sheffield, has revealed how he became increasingly ill on the flight home from his honeymoon in Italy with sickness and upon return home, also developed diarrhoea followed by flu-like symptoms.

Following his return from the four-star TUI Blue Atlantic Palace Hotel in Sorrento, the 44-year-old was admitted to hospital. He narrowly avoided a heart attack as doctors fought to bring his heart rate down from 214 beats per minute. Thomas was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease and later heart failure.

Dad-of-one instructs international serious injury lawyers

A year on, Thomas continues to be impacted by the on-going effects of heart failure. He has now instructed specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he developed the illness and whether it was linked to his stay at the resort.

He and wife Natasha, 40, paid over £1,600 for the week-long holiday booked through tour operator, TUI.

Jennifer Hodgson is the specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Thomas and Natasha.

Expert Opinion

“Thomas has been through a terrible experience and is extremely lucky to be alive.

“The impact of his illness has had a profound effect on both him, Natasha and their three-year-old son, at what should have been an exciting new chapter in their lives.

“We’ve supported many people over the years who have developed Legionnaires’ disease abroad, as well as here in the UK, yet people are often unaware of just how serious it can be.

“Legionnaires’ disease can lead to long-term health complications and in some cases can prove fatal. Thomas’ case shows just how serious it can be. If it wasn’t for the swift actions of the doctors, Thomas might not have been here.

“Large buildings with more complex water systems – such as hotels – are at a greater risk of the bacteria which causes Legionnaire’s disease.

“We’re now investigating how Thomas came to contract the illness abroad, including looking at his stay at the Atlantic Palace hotel in Sorrento. We’re determined to provide Thomas with the answers and long-term support he needs.

“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 TUI Blue Atlantic Palace Hotel, Sorrento.

“Following an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, it’s essential the source is identified as soon as possible and anyone with symptoms should seek urgent medical advice.” Jennifer Hodgson

Legionnaires' Disease: Thomas Coupland's story

Thomas and Natasha, a nursery manager, departed for their week-long honeymoon on 10 May 2024.

Thomas and Natasha believed the hotel wasn’t completely ready for the summer holiday season and appeared to need cleaning.

There was limescale in their bathroom and black mould around the showerhead. The water in the pool appeared green and out of three hot tubs, one wasn’t working, and one was too hot to be used, they said. Thomas used the third hot tub, but Natasha didn’t.

Once home, Thomas was initially diagnosed with a chest infection and prescribed antibiotics.

However, Thomas’ condition worsened. He was rushed to the Northern General Hospital on 22 May.

He spent two nights in hospital before being discharged.

However, he continued to be under the care of doctors. Last August he underwent a procedure to administer an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Thomas speaks out on 'terrifying' experience and quest for answers

Thomas said: “This was meant to be the happiest time of our lives. Natasha and I had been looking forward to our honeymoon. I came home thinking I had an upset stomach and the flu, but it was terrifying how quickly everything unfolded and how close Natasha and my son were to losing me.

“A lot of people will have heard of Legionnaires’ disease, but I never realised just how serious it can be. I’m so grateful to the doctors for being able to save my life.

“Despite nearly a year of corresponding with TUI, we haven’t received any answers, so we realised we had to take things further.

“Natasha and I feel we need to speak out to try and make sure other hotel guests do not go through what we have.

“It could have been so much worse, but my health is now permanently damaged. I can’t do many of the things I used to be able to before, because of my ongoing symptoms. One of the worst things to try and come to terms with, is trying to explain to my three-year-old son, why I can no longer do all of the things that we loved doing together before my illness, such as playing sports together, football training, swimming and play fighting. 

"I was lucky that before my illness, I could spend a lot of quality time with my son due to my shift patterns at work, however now we have to pay for childcare on my days off, which has been a difficult adjustment for both of us.

“Answers as to why this happened, and why my life changed, is the least we deserve.”

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting holidaymakers struck down by sickness at our dedicated illness abroad section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.