Local family lose three holidays after Thomas Cook collapse

The holiday to Lapland was a suprise for Anita's children

A local family from Saddleworth lost out on three holidays that were booked under the now dissolved firm.

The 178-year old travel giant collapsed earlier this week (23rd September) after it failed to raise the £200m in funding needed to keep it afloat.

As many as 150,000 passengers have been left stranded abroad awaiting repatriation when the company ceased trading.

38-year old Anita Claxton had dreamed of surprising her five children-one of which has complex needs-with a 'once in a lifetime trip' away to Lapland.

16 year-old Adam Mcquillan- Anita's son- was involved in a road accident in 2011 and has limited speech and is wheelchair bound.

She booked the holiday as a suprise for the family and one that she felt Adam was ready to experience.

She said, "Adam missed out on it last year because we didnt think it was suitable for him but this year we thought he would be fine to go."

The collapse of the company left hundreds of holiday-goers frantically browsing for replacement flights and trips.

"Luckily, we hadn't actually told the kids, it was a suprise. 

"I spent hours and hours trying to re-book it and the prices had doubled.

"I couldn't let the kids lose out."

Local MP for Oldham West and Royton, Jim Mcmahon took to twitter with his opinion on the collapse.
 

It’s always been the case that the travel industry has demand pricing, and that’s generally accepted.

But you need to take a look at yourself if you are seeking to gain even more from the 1 million holidays which will be cancelled and many rebooked elsewhere #thomascook

— Jim McMahon MP (@JimfromOldham) September 23, 2019

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