Dorchester family endure 'holiday from hell' in Egypt

Anthony Baker was hospitalised and diagnosed with stomach inflammation and internal bleeding after his Egyptian holiday became a disaster.

Anthony and his nephew, Corbin Baker both fell ill during a holiday to the Jaz Makadi Saraya Hotel and Jaz Makadi Aquaviva Hotel in Egypt.

The pair, aged 56 and 14 respectively, had spent a week at the 5-star Jaz Makadi Aquaviva along with Anthony’s sister and Corbin’s mum, Sharon Baker, aged 51.

The trio transferred to the nearby Jaz Makadi Saraya Hotel after Anthony dislocated his shoulder when using the water slide at the Jaz Makadi Aquaviva Hotel.

Hours after arriving at the Jaz Makadi Saraya Hotel on April 24, both Corbin and Anthony fell ill with stomach cramps and severe diarrhoea.

A doctor was called, and Anthony was placed on a drip and given medication while Corbin was given medication.

On returning home, Anthony’s health continued to deteriorate.

On May 13 he collapsed at home with breathing difficulties and was rushed to hospital.

He was found to have stomach inflammation and internal bleeding, which required blood transfusions and antibiotics.

Anthony’s condition stabilised but he remained in hospital for some weeks, including on his birthday.

Anthony Baker celebrating his birthday in hospital (Image: Irwin Mitchell)

Sharon and Anthony have now instructed specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate and launch legal action against TUI concerning the illnesses suffered by the family.

Sharon and Anthony’s holiday took place between April 17 and May 2 this year.

Sharon alleged food at Jaz Makadi Aquaviva would be brought out "semi-cooked" and food was left "uncovered".

She also alleged they sometimes "saw birds pecking at dough on the pizza station where it would be rolled out" and at times cutlery "would be unclean".

Sharon said: “It turned into the holiday from hell.

"I’m still not quite sure how Anthony managed to fly home because of his symptoms.

“Corbin managed to recover, but Anthony seemed to suffer a relapse and it was terrifying when he collapsed at home.

"I remember seeing him on the floor struggling to breathe and looking grey.

"We really feared the worst at one point.

"We’re just glad that he’s now on the mend.

“The staff always seemed rushed off their feet and from what I could see corners were cut at both hotels.

"A pipe was needed to suck out the collected debris from the pool at the end of the day, and I couldn’t smell any chlorine in the water.

"I also recall an instance when the cleaner scrubbed the toilet and then went to touch the bedding without washing their hands and I had to stop them.

“This has all been such a horrible experience, particularly for Anthony and we just hope there’s no lasting harm done. Right now, we are just glad that he is home safe and well.”

TUI was contacted for comment.