The members of a Telford family have told how their dream holiday in the Dominican Republic turned into a nightmare after they suffered severe food poisoning.
Edwina Boardman, 41, and her partner Derek Tongue, 45, from Dawley, said that they came down with the illness during their stay at the Barcelo Premium resort in April, as did their 16-year-old daughter, Toni.
Edwina and Derek fell ill just three days into their holiday, while Toni fell ill two days later.
The whole family said that they had suffered from severe stomach cramps with symptoms including diarrhoea and vomiting.
They are now investigating the possibility of taking legal action against their tour operator, Thomson Holidays.
Mrs Boardman said: “Every single night the whole hotel stunk of sewage. Every single time you smelt it, it made you feel worse.
“I didn’t think the food we were served was heated thoroughly enough and there were even birds flying around the restaurant as we ate.”
On her return from holiday, Edwina visited her doctor and tests confirmed she was suffering from salmonella poisoning.
David Sumner, travel litigation specialist at Irwin Mitchell solicitors, said he had encountered similar problems, which could be down to low standards of food hygiene.
“Every year we act for clients who have suffered gastric illness as a result of poor health and hygiene conditions at hotels,” he added.
“Basic health and hygiene procedures can reduce the risk of contracting illness whilst on holiday.
“We can confirm we have received instructions from the Boardman family to investigate a possible legal claim against tour operators Thomson Holidays.
“The case is still very much in the early stages of investigation and proceedings have not yet been issued.”
Thomson Holidays said that it did not want to comment on individual cases, particularly if legal proceedings may be pending.
By Andy Walker
6 Comments
I do sympathise greatly but it is part of the course when travelling sadly.
Gosh. Food poisoning in a Third World country. Who would have thought it possible?
i know people go abroad but i spoke to my mate yesterday, who went to egypt , he was robbed silly by the trade practices of the locale its about time blighty as a whole made it affordable to holiday at home, not£300 for 2 lousy days in the cotswolds, ect
These people should not travel - they are not aware of different conditions in differenet countries and are only complaining because they want compensation. Illness happens - yes, different places have problems over hygene, but if you travel then you have to accept this. Travel is NOT to have home abroad! I travel around the world the whole year and yes, I am ill sometimes, but I don’t complain - TRAVEL IS TO ACCEPT PROBLEMS and enjoy the different experiences. Please stop complaining when you travel.
i can think of nothing worse for
the family on holiday
I, too, have recently gotten back from a trip to the Dominican Republic and have gotten ill. Luckily, not has badly. It pays to do some research before one travels. My husband and I have travelled all over the world, and have never heard about so many illnesses as there are in the DR. We have never gotten sick on any of our other destinations. I feel badly for this poor family. They have every right to complain, as far as I am concerned. Granted, one does take a risk when travelling anywhere. But frankly, this is one destination, that seems to have a much larger risk than others.