Family’s holiday wrecked by bug

Recovering... Lional Kemp and Kathryn Healey with children Brodie and Lexi, who, luckily avoided the bug

A HOLIDAY bargain turned into a holiday from hell after a Chadderton family were struck down with salmonella.

Now the family of four have joined hundreds of other holidaymakers pursuing legal action against First Choice Travel.

Lionel Kemp (40) and partner Kathryn Healey (37) suffered vomiting, diarrhoea and severe cramps during two weeks at the Holiday Village, Sarigerme, in Turkey.

Mr Kemp said they booked the all-inclusive break for themselves and two children Brodie (5) and Lexi (3) for £2,600, almost £1,500 cheaper than similar holidays.

But within days of landing in Turkey on Monday, August 25, Kathryn was holed up in the family room.

Mr Kemp, a construction worker, from Healds Green said: “Kathryn started with stomach cramps on the Saturday which she said were as agonising as contractions.

“We thought it was just an upset stomach at first but over the next few days she couldn’t leave the room.”

The family spoke to a First Choice rep who said the sickness was a result of an airborne virus and would pass within 48 hours.

Mr Kemp added: “I was told there was no need for concern and there was only 1 per cent of people affected, but I saw other guests queuing for the toilets.

“They said we needed to see the doctor but we couldn’t find him for a couple of days. Out of a party of 19 people who we befriended, 12 got sick.”

Mr Kemp then began to suffer all the symptoms of salmonella poisoning and, since their return, the couple’s doctors have said salmonella was the most likely cause.

Mr Kemp said: “We thought we got a bargain holiday but I think it was so cheap because people got wind of what was going on.

“There was certainly concern at the Village towards the end of our holiday as a woman was going round spraying alcohol cleanser on people’s hands.

“First Choice reps weren’t telling us anything. First Choice put our family’s health at risk and we were treated by them as if we were stupid.”

Specialist travel law solicitor Andrew Morton said: “Estimates put the figure of those affected as well over 1,000.

“Anyone returning to the UK from Sarigerme who has been ill should see their doctor immediately.”

A First Choice spokeswoman said: “A small proportion of guests have reported sickness and are being treated for what doctors believe is an airborne virus.

“As soon as our resort staff were alerted to the increased level of sickness amongst guests, additional hygiene procedures were implemented.”