North East mum still suffering from horror illness two…

North East mum still suffering from horror illness two months after TUI 5-star holiday nightmare

A North East mum is still suffering from a nasty illness more than two months after falling ill while on a dream holiday abroad.

Samantha Broadbent, from Stockton, jetted off to the Dominican Republic in late August with her son Ben to celebrate him finishing primary school and spend some "quality time" together. The family stayed at the five-star Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort after booking the holiday through TUI, but unfortunately Samantha began to feel unwell on the last day of their trip.

The 49-year-old was struck down with gastric symptoms, including stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting, which only got worse when she returned home. Samantha was treated in hospital with IV antibiotics and diagnosed with shigella, a bacterial infection, Teesside Live reports.

Now, more than two months after the trip, Samantha is still having symptoms of the horrific illness. "I’m not someone who normally suffers with a delicate stomach, but it’s been awful since our holiday. I always have to make sure there’s a toilet around and there are some things I can’t eat now as they trigger it," she said.

The mum is searching for answers as to how she contracted the infection, and has instructed lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate further. Samantha added: "To find out I had a bacterial infection was a huge shock and I deserve some answers. While I can’t change what I’ve been through, knowing how it happened might help stop others from suffering like I have."

She claimed to have seen things at the hotel she stayed in which were not "something you expect from a five-star resort", including plasters and bugs floating in the pool. "Food was left uncovered and reheated, with new food added to existing," Samantha said.

"There were also crabs and cats seen around the buffet, as well as spiders and flies. It really didn’t seem hygienic to me."

Jatinder Paul, the specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Samantha, said: "Samantha had been looking forward to treating Ben to a well-earned holiday after he finished primary school. Sadly, however, she fell ill at the end of the trip and ended up in hospital in the UK.

"Shigella is a bacterial infection most commonly contracted by consuming food or water that has become contaminated. It can have a significant impact on those affected.

"We’re now investigating how Samantha developed her illness and are determined to obtain the answers she deserves. If, during the course of our investigation, any issues are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to help prevent other holidaymakers falling ill in the future."

In response, a TUI spokesperson said: "We are sorry to hear about Ms Broadbent’s experience at the Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort In the Dominican Republic, however as this is now a legal matter it would be inappropriate to comment. We’d like to reassure customers that we regularly audit all of our hotels in respect to health and safety, including hygiene."

READ NEXT:

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here