Mum-to-be suing travel firm claiming she almost miscarried after gastric bug
Samantha Walker Roberts tells how dream break turned into a real life nightmare
A MUM-to-be has launched legal action after claiming she fell so ill on her island holiday she nearly lost her unborn baby.
Steven and Samantha Walker Roberts are taking on Thomson Holidays after pregnant Samantha collapsed with severe dehydration on her return from Majorca's Eix Logotel Hotel.
The pair have now instructed personal injury lawyers to investigate the cause of the illness after they both suffered severe diarrhoea and vomiting during their May break.
Five days after arriving at the resort Steve, 26, and Samantha, 22, fell ill and she was admitted to Son Espases University Hospital and later admitted to Juameda Muro Hospital in Majorca.
Upon returning to the UK, Samantha still felt unwell and, after collapsing at home, was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital where she says a doctor told her she was dehydrated.
Her iron count was so low she claims she could have miscarried.
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Samantha, of Greater Manchester, told the : “We booked the holiday, as I imagine lots of parents-to-be do, to get a break in before the real job of parenthood started.
“However, what was supposed to be a special celebration was ruined by illness. Although everything with the baby is now fine, the whole ordeal has left me terrified of getting ill again.
“When the doctors told me I could have lost the baby, I was both scared and furious. The experience was a nightmare and I am still recovering from the illness.”
Samantha says she was horrified to find a chicken burger she had ordered was pink in the middle.
The couple also claimed burgers for guests were left out where pigeons were flying and a barbecue buffet was open to animals and insects when it was left uncovered by the pool.
Amandeep Samra, a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the couple, said: “What she and Steve have been through is nothing short of an ordeal, and during a time of celebration that should have been so very precious to them.
“We regularly see cases of serious illness abroad, and know first hand the complications that can arise from gastric illness.
“We will now be investigating to see if anything could have been done to prevent their illness.”
A spokesman for Thomson said: “We’re sorry to hear of the couple’s experience. As we understand this is now subject to legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.
“We would like to reassure customers that we closely audit all resorts to which we operate to ensure that health, hygiene and comfort levels are maintained in line with industry standards.”
