The family spent thousands of dollars on the trip, but became seriously ill (Photo: SWNS)
British tourists suffered from a severe stomach condition and after a luxurious stay they were put on a drip at a Turkish resort turned out to be a disaster. Holidaymakers at the famous four-star Holiday Village hotel in Sarigerme reported an attack of illness and diarrhea that disrupted their leisure time.
Disturbingly, one guest claimed to have heard hotel staff discussing the contamination of the swimming pool with feces and vomit. Friends Melissa Davidson and Paige Pottinger, 32, who first met on vacation in 2022, returned in May this year for a group vacation with their families at the same resort.
Sadly, Paige's seven-year-old son Oakley quickly fell ill, followed by Michael, 41, and three-year-old Roman. Paige, from Norwich, Norfolk, and her four-year-old son Noah were also struck down, leading to Noah being treated intravenously.
Although most of the family began to recover after a few days, Paige's condition persisted, forcing her to seek medical treatment in the UK. A GP visit did not reveal any immediate problems, although she had to take additional sick leave to recover. Recalling the disappointing experience, Paige noted, “We had been planning this trip for some time so we could get our families together for one big vacation together.”
Ryan fell ill just a few days later (Photo: SWNS)
She recalled their expectations, saying: “It was supposed to be a great time for all of us to catch up and for the children to have fun together.” Paige lamented the unforeseen outcome: “It took us a lot of time, not to mention expense, to organize this trip, and none of us expected to get one hell of a vacation in return.”
Sharing the seriousness of her situation, she concluded: “We were all very sick, but me and Noah seemed to be the worst. It's terrible to see children so sick and try to comfort them when they are in a difficult situation. placed on drips is heartbreaking.
“ Especially when you are very sick yourself. Nothing can make up for what we have all been through, but given the number of people who are sick, we deserve answers and reassurances.” NHS worker Melissa and her two children Logan, 13, and Bella, six, became seriously ill and had diarrhea just three days into their holiday. They all had to go to a local clinic and pay for drips, but Melissa says she's “never felt so sick.”
Melissa, from Exeter, Devon, said: “Paige and I have been planning this trip for some time. We couldn't wait for our families to spend quality time abroad together and I still can't believe how everything turned out. I had never felt so sick and it was shocking that all the children got so sick too. You feel helpless in this situation and naturally start having terrible thoughts.
Melissa says she has 'never felt so sick' (Photo: SWNS)
The families, who paid a total of £6,000 for the trip, found the hotel complex to be in poor condition, with dirty upholstery and a general lack of cleaning. They allege that workers added new food to existing food on the buffet without rotation, and that it was often left on for long periods of time.
Melissa said: “I was just glad we were all home. Everything could have been much, much worse. Now, safely at home, Paige and I want answers about what happened to us and our families. “I'm sure other people are sick too and I think we need to hear what is being done to prevent this from happening to other families in the future.”
Ryan Charlesworth (39) spent a whopping £2,782 on a sunny week in a luxury hotel with his wife Toni (36). However, their dream vacation turned into a nightmare when Ryan began to experience serious symptoms, including high fever, weakness and headaches, after just a few days of their stay.
His condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to bloody diarrhea and delirium. After returning to the UK last month, he was taken to hospital. The self-employed carpenter suffered from gastroenteritis, probably caused by salmonella, as well as inflammation of the liver and kidneys. During his ordeal, Ryan was informed that the hotel swimming pool had been contaminated with feces and vomit.
Recalling the harrowing experience, Ryan said: “It was supposed to be our annual break to relax in the sun.” He added grimly: “By the end, I was starting to wonder if I would make it.”
Describing the severity of his illness, he continued: “It's the worst illness I've ever experienced, and when Toni saw how sick I was at the facility, the doctor was called twice.” Ryan recounted his struggle, saying, “I was told I was delirious at that point and all I remember was being sick and in pain.”
Despite his critical condition, he was determined to return home, stating: “I was determined to make it home and somehow I survived the flight, but I knew I was wrong.” Ryan, who has returned to Sidcup, Kent, insists guests should have been “warned in advance” after learning several other people had fallen ill after their stay at the same hotel earlier in the year.
He stated: “I know I am not the only person who has gotten sick at this hotel and we are aware that several other people have gotten sick earlier this year. If there were any known problems, I believe we would have been entitled to receive an achievement warning.”
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Jatinder Paul, an international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, commented: “The first-hand accounts we have heard from families about their holiday at this hotel in Turkey are deeply disturbing. Especially considering the significant claims history over the last Approximately 15 years. The latest reports of illness and poor hygiene at the hotel are disturbing and appear to show that history is repeating itself once again.”
“Stomach diseases, especially bacterial infections such as Salmonella, can lead to very serious, long-term health complications and their effects should never be underestimated. Even though it's too late for these families, they understandably still want answers as to how their downfall happened, so sick.
“We want to give them the answers they deserve. If any issues are uncovered during our investigation, action will be taken to ensure that other holidaymakers do not have the same experience in the future. As part of our investigation, we would like to hear from other guests who became ill while staying at the same hotel as this group.”
TUI has been contacted for comment.
