A FAMILY from New Milton is taking legal action after claiming their holiday to Egypt was ruined by illness, leaving one of them on a drip for severe hydration.

Rachel Gepheart told lawyers that a few days into the break at the Desert Rose Resort in Hurghada her family, including her one-year-old daughter, started suffering severe diarrhoea and stomach cramps – symptoms of gastroenteritis.

The holiday, at the end of September last year, had been purchased through tour operator Blue Sea Holidays as an engagement present from Rachel’s father and also to celebrate his birthday. However, the family said they found themselves unable to enjoy excursions and activities due to all of them feeling unwell.

Holiday illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have now been instructed to investigate the issues following reports from Rachel that some food at the resort had been lukewarm and often left uncovered.

She claimed new food items were added to items already left out on the buffet and that there had been flies around some of the food served in the restaurant. She also believed some food was recycled from previous meals.

At one point during their holiday, Rachel said she had to see a doctor at the resort and put on a drip due to the severity of her illness, which was causing dehydration. Her daughter Lexi, who is now two years old, is also said to have needed medical treatment. Both of them required follow-up treatment from their GP on return from their holiday because they were still experiencing symptoms, it’s claimed. Rachel said she was advised she is likely to be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, and her symptoms may continue for the foreseeable future.

The 39-year-old said: “It was just a horrible holiday and we spoke to other people who were poorly out there too. There were often people queueing up to see the doctor with some of them shaking. Some could barely walk. They all seemed to be suffering from similar gastric illness to us. It was meant to be an unforgettable, sentimental holiday for us, but we will now remember it for all the wrong reasons.” Irwin Mitchell has previously represented holidaymakers to the Egyptian Desert Rose resort who fell ill on holiday last June. They also reported suffering from diarrhoea, abdominal pains and vomiting, which ruined their trip.

Clare Pearson, representing the Gepheart family, said: “This family travelled to Egypt hoping for a memorable holiday to mark a special occasion. Unfortunately the holiday was spoiled by severe and horrible gastric illness which ended up with them needing medical treatment both on holiday and when they got back to the UK.

“We are concerned by the information we have been provided. Our client and her family suffered for most of their time at the Desert Rose in Egypt, and Rachel and her young daughter are still plagued by symptoms several months on.

“This case highlights not only the impact that gastric illness issues can have on holidaymakers, but also how in some instances they can even lead to further health problems.

“As part of our investigation, we would be keen to hear from anyone else who may have also been affected by illness during a stay at this resort.”

Blue Sea Holidays did not respond to a request for comment at the time of going to press.