A British holidaymaker who says he contracted a deadly lung disease whilst on a trip to Greece is taking legal action against the tour operator. David Townend, 70, from Chorley, was left hospitalised for five days when he was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease after visiting the Morfos Apartments, in Troulos, Skiathos, Skiathos in May.
The retiree said he started getting headaches, fevers and shivering whilst on the Thomas Cook break with his wife Diana, 63. David said the illness gradually became worse throughout the holiday and after seeing his GP when he got back home, he was sent to hospital where it was confirmed he had Legionnaires’ disease – a potentially lethal lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria which usually develops after breathing in small droplets of contaminated water. David said: “The illness made everything such hard work and I quickly became very tired and started to suffer from headaches.’ At first I thought I’d just spent too much time in the sun but I was getting gradually worse all holiday and soon became really worried’. ‘When I arrived back into the UK I felt awful. I was concerned for my health and so I went to see my GP and it was worrying when he admitted me to hospital. I felt tired constantly and did not know what was happening to me’. Amandeep Samra, the lawyer representing the couple, said the disease is “very serious”. ‘Following cases of Legionnaires’ disease it is important that the root cause is identified as soon as possible to prevent further holidaymakers being affected’, he said. A Thomas Cook spokesman said: ‘We are very sorry to hear that Mr Townend fell ill on holiday’, said the rep. ‘We will liaise with the Townend’s appointed solicitor on the matter’, he said.

Source: chorley-guardian.co.uk