Redditch holiday maker receives £17k payout after dream Cuba trip left him sick and scared to eat out

Redditch holiday maker receives £17k payout after dream Cuba trip left
him sick and scared to eat out
Aug 24, 2014 15:55 By Anuji Varma

Paul Hughes is still suffering from stomach problems – three years after
the nightmare break

A holiday maker has received £17,000 compensation after a dream trip to
Cuba left him sick, in severe pain and too frightened to eat out.

And Paul Hughes is still suffering from stomach problems – three years
after the nightmare break.

During his stay at four star Iberostar Daiquiri Hotel, the 52-year-old
says he witnessed under-cooked food being served and a chef leave the
toilet without washing his hands.

Mr Hughes, from Redditch, booked the January, 2011, two-week vacation
through Thomas Cook.

He said: "I suffered severe sickness and diarrhoea and extremely painful
stomach cramps. It was horrendous.

"Three months after my wife and I came home, my symptoms still hadn't
gone away. I saw my GP who provided me with advice on how to deal with
my symptoms. My bowel habits still haven't returned to normal and it
feels like I've been left with a permanent reminder of the awful trip.
It has been very hard to get used to this.

"I used to eat out a lot with my family, but now tend not to. I'm too
worried about suffering something similar to what I had in Cuba.

A trial took place at Birmingham County Court after the tour operator
refused to agree a settlement despite admitting liability for Mr Hughes'
illness.

Solicitor Clare Comiskey, of Irwin Mitchell, which represented Mr
Hughes, said: "Paul went through a horrific experience with severe
illness on what was meant to be a relaxing holiday.

"Gastric illness can be very debilitating and as Paul's case shows, can
result in serious, long-term consequences."

A Thomas Cook spokesman said: "We feel it is important to note that our
own findings with regards to the exact nature of the illness differed
greatly from those of Mr Hughes' representatives. However, while we are
disappointed by the outcome of this court ruling, we accept the judge's
verdict and are satisfied that this matter has now been resolved.

"Thomas Cook closely audits all the properties to which it operates to
ensure that the very highest health, safety and hygiene standards are
maintained.

"The Iberostar Daiquiri Hotel is a popular hotel with our customers,
scoring highly in our customer satisfaction surveys. Our records show
that sickness levels among customers staying at the resort since 2011
have been minimal."

Source: Redditch holiday maker gets £17k payout after dream Cuba trip
left him sick and scared to eat out - Birmingham Mail -
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/redditch-holiday-maker-gets-17k-7665266