Sheffield family's Tunisia holiday '˜completely ruined' by Salmonella outbreak

The holiday group struck by suspected slmnonella.
Jane Hollingworth and her daughter Kelly-Jay Ahmed on far right and the Keith Knight and his wife Margaret, third right — The holiday group struck by suspected slmnonella. Jane Hollingworth and her daughter Kelly-Jay Ahmed on far right and the Keith Knight and his wife Margaret, third right

Some 13 people have instructed lawyers to investigate after they say members of their party contracted symptoms of gastric illness while on an 11-night break at Club Omar Khayam in Hammenet, Tunisia.

The group consisting of extended family and friends from Sheffield were hoping for a relaxing holiday, but a number of members of the group were struck down with symptoms of gastric illness just days into their trip, booked through SkyTours.

Keith Knight, aged 67, from Woodhouse, fell ill on the fourth day of the holiday and was largely confined to his room through illness. He was told by his GP when he returned to the UK he had contracted salmonella.

Keith’s wife, Margaret, also experienced similar symptoms.

Jane Hollingworth, 48, another family member travelling with her daughter Kelly-Jay Ahmed, 17, both experienced gastric illness and described the conditions at the hotel as unsanitary.

Clare Pearson, a specialist travel illness lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing the family, said: “This large family holiday was completely ruined by illness which has led to them to come to us to help them get the answers they deserve about what caused them to fall so ill. The immediate priority now is ensuring anyone affected receives the help and support they need, as well as identifying the cause of the illness as soon as possible.

“We ask anyone who has stayed at the Club Omar Khayam and may be able to help provide information about the conditions, to get in contact with us.”

Keith, a retired mechanic, said: “The whole experience was extremely distressing for myself, my wife and the rest of my family and friends. We are now hopeful that Irwin Mitchell will be able to investigate the matter further and get us the answers we feel we deserve.”

A SkyTours spokesman said: “We are sorry to hear of Mr and Mrs Knight’s experience. As we understand this is now subject to legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further. We closely audit all resorts to which we operate to ensure that health, hygiene and comfort levels are maintained in line with industry standards.”