A widow from Risca whose husband died suddenly while on holiday in Cuba is seeking answers from travel agency Thomas Cook.
Edward Jackson, 63, died in a Cuban hospital on February 2 2016, after contracting gastroenteritis at the Playa Pesquero resort.
Susan Jackson, aged 61, is registered blind and relied on her husband – affectionately known as Ted – to care for her, and is taking legal action to find some closure after the ordeal.
The couple travelled to the Playa Pesquero resort in the north of Cuba on recommendation at the end of January 2016. Mrs Jackson fell ill with symptoms of diarrhoea and stomach cramps early into their two-week stay, before her husband also became ill with similar symptoms.
While Mrs Jackson’s illness subsided, Ted required medical attention from the hotel doctor as his condition deteriorated. The former steel worker was placed on a drip and given medication to reduce any pain, but was soon transferred to a local clinic.
Later that afternoon, Mr Jackson was rushed to hospital in an ambulance was given oxegen. His symptoms continued to worsen, and he was transferred to intensive care.
In the early hours of February 2 2016, Mrs Jackson was told her husband had suffered three heart attacks and had passed away.
She said: “There really are no words for how upset and angry I am. It has been incredibly hard to come to terms with what happened and how quickly Ted deteriorated while we were on holiday, and I am not sure this is something I will ever get over.
“Our whole family has been left absolutely heartbroken following Ted’s sudden death. Not only have I lost my husband of 41 years, I’ve been left without the person I have relied on every day to help me cope with my poor eyesight.
Mrs Jackson alleged that food in the hotel had occasionally been served lukewarm, and that her husband had recounted that food was left uncovered, was handled by staff without gloves, and that he had seen birds in the serving area.
She added: “I want to know how this came to happen and how what many people believe is a trivial illness had such an impact on Ted and the lives of me and my family.
“I want answers from Thomas Cook about the concerns I have with the hotel and also answers about the way holidaymakers are treated at hotels it sends its customers to.”
Mr Jackson’s cause of death was recorded as hypovolemic shock, diarrhoea and acute infective gastroenteritis.
Clare Pearson, a personal injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, which is representing Mrs Jackson, said: “Clearly, the last few months have been absolutely devastating for Susan and her family who have lost a husband, father and grandfather. They are struggling to come to terms with the loss of Ted and are desperate to understand how he fell so ill resulting in his tragic death.
“Sadly, this case illustrates all too clearly the serious complications gastric illnesses can have for some victims, as well as their families and friends.
“Susan has informed us of a number of serious concerns both of them had about the standards of the hotel, which she believes caused Ted’s initial illness.
“We have launched our own investigations into this tragic loss of life and we hope the tour operator Thomas Cook will do everything they possibly can to provide answers to Susan’s questions as well as reassurance.”
A Thomas Cook spokesperson said: “We would like to express our sincere condolences to Mrs Jackson and her family for their sad loss.
“Nothing is more important to us than the safety and wellbeing of our customers and we are deeply saddened by Mr Jackson’s death. We routinely audit properties to ensure standards are met.”