A newlywed couple say their honeymoon was ruined – when the bride ended up in hospital with severe diarrhoea and vomiting.  

Terry, 35, and Sarah Hawkins, 32, along with their two children Ashton, 11, and seven-month-old Imogen, from Huyton, Liverpool, journeyed to the five-star Rixos Sungate resort in Antalya, Turkey, on Monday May 29 in celebration of their honeymoon.  Graphic designer Terry and his wife Sarah, who is currently on maternity leave, booked their honeymoon through tour operator TUI.

Only the morning after arriving Sarah began feeling under the weather suffering from diarrhoea, stomach cramps, sweats and vomiting.  She suffered from dehydration and found it difficult to breast-feed baby Imogen.

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Terry was suffering from similar symptoms by the evening, also beginning to pass blood. Not long after they became ill, the newlyweds were visited by a doctor at the resort.

Both of them were given antibiotics and Sarah was put on an IV drip.  Because of the illness and worries over their children also falling ill, the family ended their holiday three days early when they returned home on Tuesday, June 6.

The couple saw a GP and samples were taken.  Terry said: “We’d spent a long time researching where to honeymoon and we were so excited as it got closer. We were particularly looking forward to celebrating with our children on our first big family holiday at what was supposed to be a luxury hotel.

“But early into the holiday, Sarah became really unwell, which was really worrying as she was still breast-feeding. Then that same evening I fell ill. It got so bad that Sarah ended up on an IV drip, which was terrifying especially for the kids to see.

“It felt like we were stuck in our hotel room for most of our stay, which was awful, and we were so worried that the kids would get it, we ended up flying home early.

“We’re still not well, and so angry and upset at what we’ve been through. I also had to have time off work as I was so unwell, and I still have not fully recovered.”

Terry and Sarah alongside may other holidaymakers have now instructed specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how they fell ill and take legal action on their behalf.  It comes after Liam Garnett from Manchester  suffered similar symptoms at the Rixos Sungate resort in April this year, along with his partner Gabrielle and two children, who also fell ill.

Liam received medical treatment, including an IV trip, and on his return to the UK he had a sample taken, which reportedly tested positive for the bacterial infection salmonella.  A report claimed over 130 holidaymakers, including more than 50 children,  became ill while staying at the five-star hotel.  They have instructed specialist lawyers Irwin Mitchell to investigate.

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According to Terry there were also issues with the resort’s food, he added: “It’s scary to hear how many other people have been unwell. There were times when the food was visibly undercooked, which really isn’t something you would expect from a resort like this.

“All we want now are some answers. Our honeymoon was completed ruined and it’s the least we deserve.”

Terry and Sarah are still unwell following their UK return.

Specialist international serious injury solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, Jatinder Paul, said: “We’ve now been contacted by more than 130 people who have suffered serious gastric illness while holidaying at the Rixos Sungate in Turkey, which is very worrying.

“What’s deeply concerning is that many of those affected are children and there are several cases of salmonella which is particularly dangerous for the most vulnerable such as children and the elderly. Terry and Sarah are among those who have instructed us and it’s horrible to hear the first-hand account of the ordeal they went through, particularly as they had booked the holiday to celebrate their honeymoon.

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“Instead, the whole break turned into a nightmare and the pair understandably want answers as to how they became so unwell at a five-star resort. We’re now looking into it, and if during the course of our investigations any issues are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to prevent others from falling ill in the future.”

It is one of many booking providers for the Rixos Sungate in Antalya, which accommodates 1,800 guests from all over the world, Tui have said.

It stated that guests who have had illness impact their holiday at the Rixos hotel are being contacted directly by the TUI UK team, but it cannot give details of specific customer cases due to privacy and confidentiality.

A TUI spokesperson told the Liverpool Echo: “We were very concerned to hear of a small number of cases at Rixos Sungate in Turkey, as the health and safety of our customers is our highest priority. As this is now a legal matter, we are unable to comment on specific cases.”

Rixos, which runs the hotel, has been contacted for comment.

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