Man makes stink over holiday illness

Your Holiday Claims helped Colin Marshall, 62, make a no win no fee claim after his holiday to the Thomas Cook promoted resort was ruined by illness.

Mr Marshall, from Chapel-en-le-frith was on holiday with his wife and stepdaughter at the hotel when he fell ill four days in.

He started to feel nauseous and shortly after suffered diarrhoea, cramps and vomiting which lasted for the duration of the holiday.

He said: “I was worried it would ruin the rest of my family holiday, as I was unable to venture far from my hotel room, the medical facilities were poor to non-existent.

“I was worried what to eat for fear of worsening my symptoms and the cleanliness was seriously lacking in all areas. They even turned the air con off in the lobby to save money”.

Having previously been on package holidays to Egypt, Mexico, Cuba and Turkey, Mr Marshall said he was shocked at the standards of this resort.

“This hotel is a 1 star at best and should be taken off Thomas Cook’s site, I have stayed in many hotels around the world and this was the worst”.

A Thomas Cook spokesperson said: “Thomas Cook is sorry that Mr Marshall fell ill while on holiday at the Stella Makadi Beach and Gardens in Hurghada in September 2013.

‘Thomas Cook takes health and hygiene issues very seriously and maintaining the safety of our customers is our number one priority.

‘We are pleased to confirm we have reached an agreement with Mr Marshall’s legal representatives and that this matter is now resolved.”

Mr Marshall was diagnosed with traveller’s diarrhoea and at one point he was using the toilet more than 10 times a day.

Your Holiday Claims helped him recover £3,150 in compensation after claiming against the tour operator Thomas Cook for his ruined holiday.

Anne Thomson, Head of Travel Law at Your Holiday Claims, said: “Traveller’s diarrhoea is the most common travel-related health issue.

“It can limit your holiday experience as you may need to stay close to a toilet and in some cases can confine you to bed.

“I am extremely pleased that we have been able to help Colin claim the compensation he deserves for his holiday illness and I’d urge anyone else who has been ill at this resort to get in touch to find out if they could make a claim”.