A WOMAN whose birthday celebrations at a Mexican hotel were ruined after she fell ill with severe sickness and diarrhoea has received an undisclosed sum in compensation from her tour operator.

Natalie Daymond, 27, from Sunderland, who still suffers ongoing gastric symptoms, instructed solicitors Irwin Mitchell to investigate the conditions she faced at the Barcelo Costa Hotel near Cancun in October 2009.

This included filthy bed sheets and bedrooms, pink and bloody chicken, dirty swimming pool surfaces and re-used foods served during meal times.

A three-day trial was due to begin at the County Court in Birmingham on June 23, when Thomas Cook agreed to pay what lawyers described as “realistic damages”.

Jennifer Downing, a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing her, said: “Natalie suffered gastric symptoms during her stay at the Barcelo Costa Hotel that continue to affect her life now.

“She and her partner booked the trip to celebrate her 23rd birthday in what they hoped would be relaxing surroundings but this was ruined when they both fell ill.

“It is essential that food hygiene and health guidelines are followed by hotels to keep their guests safe. Tour operators have a duty to ensure the hotels they work with are up to standard.

“We are pleased to have secured a successful conclusion for Natalie at the door steps of the court. The damages she has received are more than eight times the sum that Thomas Cook had offered previously. We hope the settlement now allows her to move on from her ordeal.”