British holidaymaker suffered kidney failure after contracting a severe stomach bug during a five star holiday to Turkey 

  • James Lewis, 25, broke a rib after collapsing from severe dehydration
  • Mr Lewis was with his partner Josh when he suffered bug at hotel
  • He was placed on an IV drip and spent a night in hospital due to illness 
  • Couple claim hotel left food exposed to insects and served it uncooked 

By Alex Matthews For Mailonline

Published: 04:51 EDT, 28 October 2016 | Updated: 07:27 EDT, 28 October 2016

A British holidaymaker was left hospitalised after contracting a severe stomach bug during a stay at a five-star hotel in Turkey.

James Lewis, 25, from Stafford, broke a rib after collapsing in his room at Liberty Hotels Lykia, during a break he booked with Thomas Cook.

The gas fitter is now taking legal action against the hotel after claiming his illness could have been caused by alleged hygiene problems, including food being exposed to insects. 

James Lewis (left, with partner Josh Faultess) was left hospitalised after contracting a severe stomach bug (right)

James and his partner Josh Faultless had been looking forward to the getaway but just halfway through their trip, both began to suffer with severe gastric illness symptoms, including diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps.

James' symptoms continued for two days and, despite being treated by a doctor at the hotel, he collapsed.

He was then given an IV drip to replace the fluids he had lost, but his health failed to improve.

James was later taken to hospital where doctors explained his kidneys were beginning to fail due to severe dehydration.

He was kept overnight and then flew home to the UK, where his symptoms continue to affect him.

The couple, who spent £1,000 on the break, have told their legal team of a number of concerns they had about hygiene practices at the hotel as they seek to launch action.

Pictured, James Lewis (right) and Josh Faultless (left) who are taking legal action after being struck down with a stomach bug on a Thomas Cook holiday

James Lewis and Josh Faultless (both pictured) are taking legal action after being struck down with a stomach bug on a Thomas Cook holiday

Among the alarming problems spotted by James and Josh was food which appeared to be undercooked, food being left uncovered for long periods of time and some of the food being exposed to insects.

James said: 'The illness I suffered on holiday is still having a serious impact on me.

'It wasn't just us who were suffering, we could see other people around the hotel struggling with illness. We want to know what caused the illness and make sure these issues are investigated.'

Josh said: 'This was meant to be our annual holiday to relax and spend time with each other. But as soon as we arrived we felt the hotel was not up to the standards we had expected.

'When we both fell ill we spent majority of our time in our room, which was annoying, but when James collapsed it turned into an absolute nightmare. It was awful to see him in such a terrible state and being rushed to hospital.

'The last thing we expected when we booked with Thomas Cook was for one of us to be spending the night in a Turkish hospital due to illness and suffering with a broken rib. We've been left extremely disappointed with what turned into an absolutely appalling holiday.' 

Jennifer Downing, an expert international personal injury lawyer at national law firm Irwin Mitchell, representing Josh and James, said: 'The severe illness Josh and James suffered is concerning and shows just how serious gastric illness can be and the long-term impact it can have on those affected.'

Pictured: James Lewis is placed on an IV drip as he recovers from the severe gastric bug he contracted while on holiday

Pictured: James Lewis is placed on an IV drip as he recovers from the severe gastric bug he contracted while on holiday

'Perhaps, more worrying, is that they have told us they were not the only ones affected by illness in the time they stayed at the resort and that other people were suffering similar symptoms.

'We have now launched our own investigation into the illness James and Josh suffered at the Liberty Hotels Lykia. We would urge anyone else impacted by illness at the hotel in 2016 to contact us and help with our investigation..'

A spokesman for Thomas Cook said: 'We know how important holidays are and we work hard to make sure that our customers enjoy their time away. We are always concerned to hear of any reports of illness, and when we receive this case we will investigate thoroughly.'