A Macclesfield couple are among hundreds seeking the help from lawyers after the summer holiday from hell.

Newlyweds Chris France and Amy Jacklin from Macclesfield were struck with gastric illnesses during their 21 day stay in Cape Verde.

The Macclesfield couple stayed at the Riu Cabo Verde, a coastal hotel located in Santa Maria at the south of Sal Island.

The 32-year-old and 29-year-old were on a three-week honeymoon when they fell ill with stomach pains, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Before it all went wrong: Chris and Amy on their ill-fated Cape Verdian holiday.

Chris and Amy had booked the Riu Cabo Verde through TUI for between August 7 and August 28.

They chose the five-star advertised all-inclusive hotel as a bit of luxury and a fitting cap for their wedding celebrations.

Chris, a leader of a solutions practice and Amy, a kitchen associate, were two days into their stay when Amy began to suffer from stomach pains, vomiting and diarrhoea on August 9.

This became so severe that having seen a medical professional, Amy was referred to hospital. 

Amy in a hospital bed.

She was put on a drip on account of her dehydration and was discharged on the same day.

As a result of the illness, the couple said they were unable to enjoy the rest of their honeymoon, and were forced to cancel their planned trips.

Chris then came down with the same symptoms on 20 August. He also visited a medical professional at the hotel. 

Both were prescribed with the same anti-sickness medication, probiotics for gut health and rehydration formula before being released from hospital.

In 2018, Cape Verde had more visitors from the UK than any other country, with the region Chris and Amy went to being the most popular destination. (Source ine.cv)

By August 28, although they still felt unwell, the couple were able to catch their flight home, before travelling back to Macclesfield.

Amy said: "Chris and I had such a fantastic wedding and to complete it with a honeymoon in Cape Verde was meant to be our dream come true.

"Our holiday of a lifetime turned in to the holiday from hell after just two days. I've never felt so ill and instead of enjoying our honeymoon, I was in hospital with Chris at my bedside.

"As I started to improve, Chris then started to be sick. Our honeymoon was ruined and turned into a three-week nightmare we'll always remember now for all the wrong reasons.

In total, More than 530 British holidaymakers have instructed lawyers to investigate having been struck down with gastric illnesses during their holidays in Cape Verde this summer.

"We had our doubts when the food appeared to be re-served more than once and flies and animals were everywhere, with cats in the restaurant.

"The grubby linen and chipped, dirty plates were also not what you would expect from a five star hotel. To make matters worse, we spoke to the reps but we felt our concerns weren't really dealt with.

"We know others were ill at the hotel when we were and I wouldn't be surprised to hear there were more. It's not something you expect and I think the least we can ask is an explanation of what happened."

The Macclesfield pair are now seeking for legal firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate the circumstances behind their ill-fated African holiday.

The hotel's website.

In total, 530 Brits are consulting the Irwin Mitchell, with many experiencing similar symptoms to the Macclesfield duo.

In some cases, symptoms were so severe that many were forced to visit the local hospital in Cape Verde and had to cancel excursions booked as part of what was, for many, intended to be a special all-inclusive five star 'holiday of a lifetime' or a dream newlyweds honeymoon.

Upon returning to the UK, hundreds of holidaymakers have instructed specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate after many have tested positive for a number of serious bacterial pathogens including Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella and E.coli.

The firm claims to have vast experience of successfully representing many thousands of holidaymakers who have suffered serious illness or injury abroad over the last decade.

All had been on holidays booked through tour operator TUI, staying across seven hotels in the Sal area of Cape Verde. The hotels the poorly Brits visited were: Riu Palace Santa Maria, Riu Cabo Verde, Riu Palace Boavista, Riu Funana, TUI Blue Cabo Verde, the Sol Dunas and the Melia Dunas. Many holidaymakers have questioned why they were allowed to stay at their hotels when it was known others had already fallen ill.

Jatinder Paul, leading the team of specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell supporting those affected, said: "We are supporting more than 500 people, including more than 200 people who stayed at the Riu Palace Santa Maria alone, who at best had their holiday ruined and at worst had their health seriously affected following stays in the Sal area of Cape Verde.

"That so many should have been affected at these hotels, in the same region under the same tour operator, has left the people we are representing with a lot of questions over what happened to them this summer and we're determined to help them find the answers.

"Bacterial illnesses such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella and E.coli are serious and should never be underestimated. They can cause long-term health issues for the most vulnerable, and even death. The fact some still remain ill several months after their return is very concerning.

Jatinder Paul has worked for Irwin Mitchell for 12 years, and will assist the Macclesfield couple.

"Some have chosen to share their stories to highlight the questions they have, not least over why some people continued to be sent to the resorts as late as October of this year, when the numbers involved would suggest that something was very wrong as early as May of this year.

"If the causes are identified, then it is vital that lessons are learned to ensure no other holidaymakers are left with debilitating illnesses, and we hope to work with TUI to resolve the claims amicably.

"The sheer number of people who continue to approach us on a daily basis is incredible, but as part of our investigations, we remain keen to hear from anyone else affected while staying at these hotels in Cape Verde."

Hotel Riu Cabo Verde have been contacted for comment.

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