Scots mum issues urgent Turkey holiday warning after son ‘almost came home in body bag’

A mother from Scotland has issued a cautionary message to families planning a holiday in Turkey after her own family’s trip took a dangerous turn, leaving her son dangerously ill.

Ashley Bain recounted how what was meant to be a joyous vacation with her husband, two children, and in-laws quickly spiralled into a nightmare. Describing the experience as “the holiday from hell,” she revealed that her son’s life was at risk due to severe food poisoning they all contracted during their stay.

In a video shared on TikTok, Ashley disclosed that the initial days of their trip seemed normal, with the family enjoying pool time and exploring the hotel. However, things took a drastic turn after a buffet breakfast on the second day when members of the group started falling ill one by one.

Ashley’s son, River, became gravely unwell, unable to keep even water down by the third day. The situation escalated to the point where he appeared lethargic and unresponsive, prompting Ashley to seek medical help from the hotel nurse, who then called a doctor.

After a thorough examination, the doctor advised immediate treatment for River, as he was severely dehydrated and had developed an infection due to the food poisoning. Ashley shared the distressing moment when the doctor informed her that her son was dangerously ill and at risk of sepsis.

While River received treatment and gradually improved, Ashley’s daughter, Mila, also fell ill but fortunately did not reach the same severe condition as her brother. The family’s holiday plans were shattered as they devoted their time to caring for their sick children.

Ashley expressed the heartbreak of witnessing her children suffer and the trauma the entire family endured. She emphasised the value of family time and the devastating impact of having their holiday disrupted by illness.

Despite the ordeal, with River’s health gradually improving, the family managed to salvage a brief period of enjoyment before returning home. Ashley is now seeking compensation from Jet2, the company that arranged their trip, citing the nightmare experience that robbed them of their holiday.

In a response, a Jet2 spokesperson expressed sympathy for the family’s ordeal but highlighted the lack of evidence linking the illnesses to the hotel’s food. The spokesperson affirmed willingness to investigate further with proper evidence provided.

This cautionary tale serves as a stark reminder of the unforeseen risks that can arise during what should be a relaxing vacation. Families are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring their health and safety while travelling, even in familiar holiday destinations.

Insights and Summary:
The harrowing experience Ashley Bain and her family faced in Turkey serves as a stark reminder of the importance of health and safety measures while travelling. Despite meticulous planning, unforeseen circumstances can arise, impacting the holiday experience significantly. It underscores the need for travellers to stay vigilant, especially concerning food and hygiene practices in unfamiliar environments. The emotional and financial toll of such incidents highlights the value of travel insurance and thorough research before embarking on trips. This story serves as a cautionary tale for families and travellers, emphasising the importance of preparedness and quick actions in the face of unexpected challenges during holidays.