A group of Britons who were holidaying in Egypt are launching legal action against a five-star hotel after claiming they were struck down with gastric illness.
The luxury holiday was part of celebrations for two birthdays and a wedding anniversary in the Hurghada area of Egypt last month.
However the group claim their stay at the exclusive Jaz Aquamarine, which began on July 19, turned into a ‘nightmare’ as several group members began suffering from the illness.
Jo Martina, 48, and her husband Emanuele Martina, 53 from Biggin Hill in Kent were among those who claim they took ill.
However the group claim their stay at the exclusive Jaz Aquamarine (pictured), which began on July 19, turned into a ‘nightmare’ as several group members began suffering from the illness
Jo began complaining of cramping, nausea and diarrhoea just days into the holiday, which was booked to celebrate her and her husband’s birthday which were on the same day. The date is also their 21st wedding anniversary.
Jo said she was forced to spend her birthday and anniversary ill in bed.
Upon her return home, Jo, a dog trainer, went to see her GP in relation to her alleged ongoing gastric symptoms.
The group have appointed international personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate their experiences and establish what caused their illness.
Amandeep Dhillon, a Partner at Irwin Mitchell representing the group, said: ‘It is deeply concerning that Jo and her family and friends were struck down with gastric illness.
‘Through our work we often see people falling seriously ill during their holidays. This case undoubtedly highlights the huge impact that gastric illnesses can have, with Jo having to see her GP when she got back.
‘The group was meant to be enjoying a special holiday abroad, celebrating with loved ones. Jo, Emanuele and the others are understandably devastated that it didn’t turn out that way.
‘We are determined to help them gain answers regarding what caused the illness, and hope that lessons are learned, where possible, to help prevent more people suffering in this way.
‘The total number of holidaymakers who have instructed Irwin Mitchell as a result of gastric illness at this hotel this Summer is now at 15. ‘
The group’s stay at the Jaz Aquamarine, which was booked through TUI, began on 15 July, with Jo allegedly first developing gastric symptoms on 18 July – her birthday and anniversary.
The group have appointed international personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate their experiences and establish what caused their illness (stock image)
Shortly afterwards, Jo’s family and friends who were also on the holiday allegedly began to fall ill with similar symptoms of stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting.
Jo said: ‘We were all really looking forward to our holiday as we had two birthdays and a wedding anniversary to celebrate out there but within just a few days we all started dropping like flies.
‘The 18th of July is my birthday, Emanuele’s birthday and our wedding anniversary, but I had to spend much of that day in bed ill. I was devastated.
‘I didn’t eat much for three or four days and we all ended up making a complaint to our rep on 25 July, who also appeared to be unwell.’
Jo told her legal team that the food at the hotel was ‘unimpressive.’ She also had several concerns regarding the cleanliness of the swimming pools at the hotel.
She recalled: ‘There were 17 pools, with seven main ones, and at least one of the main pools was closed for two to three hours every day because of diarrhoea in them. It was disgusting.
‘Our dream holiday turned into a complete nightmare, I even had to see my GP when I got back to the UK as I was still feeling unwell and have been prescribed with antibiotics as I was told that I had a secondary lung infection from the gastric illness. I am still waiting on my results from further tests done by my GP, but I hope it is nothing too serious.
‘None of us expected something like this to happen, especially for all of us to be ill. Our trip was ruined and we just hope that we can now find the answers we are seeking as to what caused it.’
MailOnline has contacted Jaz Aquamarine for comment.