A HOLIDAYMAKER from Steventon was rushed to hospital and tested positive for three potentially fatal infections following a trip to Corfu.

David Plaisted fell ill as his stay at the Nissaki Beach resort came to an end and, while he initially thought the diarrhoea and vomiting would pass, he had to be taken to hospital after collapsing once back in the UK.

Doctors confirmed he was suffering from a waterborne infection and revealed that he had tested positive for not only salmonella food-poisoning, but also cryptosporidium and giardia, which are commonly contracted from contaminated water.

The 59-year-old's seven-day holiday, which was booked through operator TUI, started on June 24.

Mr Plaisted first started to feel unwell as he prepared to fly home, saying: “I felt really under the weather but just thought it was something that would pass given time. I struggled on at home for a few days, but then everything escalated when I collapsed.

“I went into hospital, had tests and was completely stunned to be told that I had developed three separate illnesses. It took me around a month to get through further symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting and I just can’t believe what has happened to me. It has been a complete ordeal. This was meant to be a relaxing break for me yet sadly all I will remember it for is the wrong reasons.

"I am hugely disappointed and just feel that I need some answers regarding everything that has happened. I only hope no one else goes through what I have.”

Now, Mr Plaisted has instructed Irwin Mitchell’s specialist international personal injury team to investigate how his illness was caused.

Jatinder Paul, from law firm, said: “The details provided to us by David are truly shocking, with him testing positive for three very serious and potentially fatal illnesses during his time in hospital. David is understandably upset and angry by what he endured and we are determined to ensure he gets the answers he deserves regarding what he has faced. Gastric illness can have a significant long-term impact on the health of victims, so the issues outlined in this case should not be downplayed. As part of our investigations we would like to hear from other guests who may have information about conditions at the hotel this summer.”

A a TUI spokesperson said: “As we understand this may now be subject to legal proceedings it would be inappropriate to comment at this time. We’d like to reassure customers that we regularly audit all of the hotels we feature in respect of health and safety, including hygiene.”