Anglesey mum suffering from diarrhoea a year on after Morocco stay

Chelsea Hagan, 29, and her six-year-old daughter Darcey stayed at the Hotel Aqua Mirage in Marrakech. Chelsea and Darcey’s took place between September 9 and 16, 2022. The holiday was booked through TUI UK Ltd. 

Shortly after arriving back in the UK, Chelsea began vomiting blood and was taken to hospital. She was diagnosed with cryptosporidium, a parasitic infection commonly transmitted to humans through contaminated water.

A year on, Chelsea, a trainee painter and decorator, continues to suffer from diarrhoea and mild gastritis, which is where the stomach becomes inflamed. 

Chelsea and Darcey (Image: Irwin Mitchell)

Chelsea said: “When Darcey started being sick, I thought maybe it was from the heat on holiday, but after a few days I ended up taking her to the hospital as she wasn’t getting any better. It was awful seeing my little girl so unwell.

“Then I fell ill, and I couldn’t believe how bad I got. I’ve never felt stomach pain like it. I spent almost a day in hospital vomiting. It was horrendous. 

“To find out I had a gastric infection was a huge shock and not something you expect just after returning from holiday. However, when I think back I can recall that the hygiene standards at the resort weren’t what I’d class as great."

Chelsea claims she remembers "raw meat being put next to cooked meat".

She alleges: "People would pick at the food with their hands. At one stage, one of the toilet cubicles by the pool was covered in diarrhoea and vomit; it was disgusting."

Chelsea is among 70 British holidaymakers that have instructed lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate.

Chelsea and Darcey’s holiday was booked through TUI UK Ltd. It took place between 9 and 16 September, 2022. 

Darcey on holiday (Image: Irwin Mitchell)

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On the day the mum and daughter returned to the UK, Darcey alleges she fell ill with gastric symptoms including diarrhoea and vomiting. Chelsea took her to the GP on two occasions. It was during the second appointment she was referred to hospital.

Chelsea’s illness began around September 24 2022. She suffered diarrhoea, headaches, fatigue and stomach pain. When she also began vomiting blood, Chelsea called NHS 111 and was advised to attend A&E

In hospital she was administered intravenous (IV) fluids and anti-sickness medication. She was diagnosed with cryptosporidium

Darcey’s symptoms eased around October 7 2022 however, Chelsea has ongoing health issues.

Sarita Sharma, specialist international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “The first-hand account we’ve heard from Chelsea about her illness and the similar symptoms suffered by Darcey as well as others are deeply concerning.

“Chelsea was diagnosed with cryptosporidium following hospital tests, and what’s particularly worrying is that she continues to be affected by her illness a year on. 

“Chelsea and Darcey are just two of among more than 70 people who stayed at this hotel over the summer and autumn of 2022 only to be struck down with gastric illness. Others we represent suffered illnesses including cryptosporidium, e.coli, campylobacter and salmonella, all of which can have long-term impacts on health.

“Understandably our clients continue to have question and concerns about what happened to them. We’re now investigating those concerns to provide them with the answers they deserve.

“If during the course of our investigations, any issues are identified, it’s vital lessons are learned, and other travellers are spared the suffering and distress that holiday illness and its impact can cause.

“As part of our ongoing investigations, we are still keen to hear from anyone who stayed at the Hotel Aqua Mirage last year and suffered similar symptoms.”

Chelsea added: “Almost a year on, I’m still not 100 per cent.  While I know there’s nothing I can do to change what we’ve been through, I want some answers.  I feel it’s the least we deserve."

TUI are being approached for comment.