A RETIRED couple are taking legal action after their Egyptian getaway with their young grandchild turned into a holiday from hell.

Lillian Foote and her partner Geoff Humphries, from Stockton Heath, travelled for the family break with their seven-year-old granddaughter Tia to the Hauza Beach, Nabq Bay in Sharm El Sheikh, in September 2012 but were struck down with severe gastric illness ruining their trip.

Lillian, aged 62, has been left with on-going health problems since the holiday three years ago after suffering from diarrhoea, sickness and abdominal pain while Geoff, aged 64, also fell ill with severe stomach cramps and diarrhoea but has since made a full recovery.

Specialist travel lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, who are representing the couple, are also aware of other holidaymakers who have fallen ill at the resort in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014 while travel rating website Trip Advisor has received very mixed reviews for the hotel with one person claiming guests were 'getting taxis to Burger King'.

The couple have told lawyers there was no water or drinks in the room and when they requested some cola it was sent to the room with the seal already broken.

They also complained of food on the buffet being left out for long periods of time, flies seen landing on food and undercooked meat.

Lillian added: “We were all really looking forward to getting away from it all and having a relaxing family holiday together.

"I started to feel unwell only a few days into our stay at the hotel; I had to go to the chemist at the resort as the symptoms were not easing.

“I suffer from diabetes and became increasingly concerned that as my condition got worse I may suffer a hypoglycaemic event.

"Ever since we got back from our holiday, I have continued to suffer from bowel problems which I may be stuck with permanently."

Irwin Mitchell has called on tour operator The Freedom Travel Group to work with them to resolve Lillian and Geoff’s cases amicably without the need for formal court proceedings.

To date, no formal denial of liability has been received in respect of the claims and negotiations on behalf of Lillian and Geoff continue.

Clare Pearson, a specialist international personal injury lawyer, said: “Lillian and Geoff were looking forward to taking their granddaughter Tia away for ten days in Egypt.

"Unfortunately, as both Lillian and Geoff fell ill during their stay and throughout their holiday, the break was ruined.

“Over the years we have handled thousands of holiday illness cases and have seen just how devastating gastric problems can be for those affected.

"We have also represented dozens of clients who have also stayed at the Hauza Beach resort and fallen ill during their stay."