AN Urmston couple say they had an anniversary to forget after falling ill just days after arriving at a Greek hotel.

Delivery driver Michael Ashcroft, booked an all-inclusive holiday at the Hotel Avalon via Jet2.

His stay, booked to mark his wedding anniversary with wife Belinda, began on August 4 last year. But he fell ill a few days after their arrival.

Lawyers who specialise in supporting holidaymakers affected by illness outbreaks across the globe have launched an investigation after being contacted by 14 people who fell ill during stays at the Hotel Avalon on Zakynthos.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist International Personal Injury team is investigating the issues faced by families whose breaks were affected by gastric illness.

Speaking about the holiday, he said: “The stomach cramps and diarrhoea were just horrific and I was in a really bad way. I was completely devastated, particularly as this had all been arranged for us to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

“Some of the food seemed overcooked and I also noticed some foods were served lukewarm.

“Lots of other people seemed to be ill and although the Jet2 representative seemed to know about the illnesses, we were not warned by anyone before we left the UK.

“I even spotted another guest vomit into a bin near to the swimming pool at one point. The whole experience was absolutely awful.

“While nothing will change what has happened, I just want to know whether enough was done to protect guests from the problems.

“This was meant to be a special break and I feel we deserve answers regarding what went on.”

Hannah Clifford, specialist holiday illness lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “We are concerned to have heard several first-hand accounts regarding the problems holidaymakers have faced at the Hotel Avalon and have now launched an investigation into what they have had to endure.

Jet2 was unavailable for comment as The Messenger went to press.