Pensioner hospitalised by salmonella poisoning after luxury Egypt holiday

John Middleton, 65, went on a two-week break to the five-star Sunrise Select Royal Makadi resort with his family in September.

On the final day of his holiday, John, who booked his trip through tour operator Thomas Cook, woke in the early hours with crippling stomach cramps and severe diarrhoea.

The retired factory worker was examined by the hotel doctor and given an injection in his thigh to help ease his symptoms for his flight home.

When he arrived home in Sherburn Village, he tested positive for salmonella, a bacterial infection which can be caused by food poisoning.

John was admitted to the University Hospital of North Durham for five nights and lost about one-and-a-half stone in weight.

A spokesman for Thomas Cook said the company routinely audits all properties to which it operates to ensure the highest health and hygiene standards, and that the Sunrise Select Royal Makadi has a good health and safety record, with no significant reports of illness.

John said: “When you book a luxury resort that is exactly what you should get.

“I had to suffer the emotional and physical trauma of being severely ill during the flight home.

“When you return home from a holiday you want to feel rested and relaxed.

“Instead I had to be admitted to hospital for five days, and I am still suffering from symptoms months down the line.

“On occasions the food in the restaurant seemed cold or lukewarm at best.

“I saw times where new food was being added to old food which had been left out, and the chicken, on occasions, tasted off.”

A spokesperson for Thomas Cook UK & Ireland said: “We understand how upsetting it must have been to be unwell while on holiday, and our records confirm that our experienced airline team did everything they could to support John Middleton and make his flight as comfortable as possible.

“As John Middleton has sought legal representation, we will be liaising with his appointed solicitor while our investigation continues.

“Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any further comment, so as not to unduly influence any possible legal proceedings.”