A FAMILY has spoken about how their dream holiday became a nightmare when they developed a severe gastric illness after staying at a four-star resort in Tenerife.

Philip and Kate Shepherd, along with their two-year-old son William, of Seaham, County Durham, developed the parasitic infection cryptosporidium following their stay at the Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle Hotel in Los Cristianos, in August.

Ms Shepherd, 32, a dental nurse, suffered symptoms so severe that she required treatment in hospital.

She recalled: “We were all hit really hard with the illness and we had no option but to speak to our GP about it.

“I couldn’t believe it when I was admitted to hospital and told we had cryptosporidium – it was an absolute nightmare.

“To make matters worse, it really affected us when we got back to the UK as both Phil and I needed several weeks off work as we tried to recover from what was meant to be a relaxing break.

“Our holidays are meant to be a chance for us to spend precious time together as a family, but our memories of this break will always revolve around the illness we suffered.”

She added: “We are just devastated and feel we really deserve some answers regarding how this could have happened. Lessons must be learned from this.”

They are among 26 people who have instructed Irwin Mitchell’s specialist International Personal Injury team to “secure justice and answers” regarding the issues which they have faced.

Jatinder Paul, an associate solicitor and specialist travel lawyer, who is representing those affected by the issues linked to the Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle Hotel, said: “We are very concerned by the first-hand accounts provided to us by our clients including many witnessing cloudy water and faecal matter in the swimming pool and we are already making our own enquiries into what they faced.

“Many of those who have contacted us have required medical intervention and have been diagnosed with cryptosporidium which is a serious parasitic infection which can cause long-term complications such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

“A case of this nature highlights how the seriousness of gastric illness cannot be underestimated, as such issues often lead victims to develop further long-term health conditions.

“Very serious questions have been raised by these illnesses and we are determined to ensure that answers are provided regarding what has happened. We would also be keen to hear from anyone else who may have suffered similar issues as they may be able to assist us with our investigations.”

The family, who booked a holiday with Jet 2 Holidays. A spokesperson for the firm said: “Because of ongoing legal proceedings we are unable to comment at this stage.”