A little girl from Preston is showing ‘the most extraordinary strength’ as she approaches four weeks in hospital battling a life-threatening condition she picked up in Egypt.
Freya, six-years-old, was on a TUI-booked holiday at the Jaz Mirabel Beach hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh with mum Georgia Harrison, 29, her partner Andrew Conroy, 34, and seven-year-old sister Isla when she became ill.
Towards the end of the holiday, she started to show symptoms that included bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps.
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She was taken straight from Manchester Airport to Royal Preston Hospital when she returned on 6 July before being rushed to Manchester Children’s Hospital – which has a kidney specialist – on Tuesday (7 July).
Freya has been diagnosed with Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome – a serious condition that most commonly affects children and is usually triggered by toxins released by E.Coli O157.
She underwent emergency surgery to ensure dialysis could be carried out properly, but has since recovered enough to be taken off that treatment.
Georgia, who has been glued to Freya’s side in hospital over the last three weeks, told Blog Preston: “Freya’s kidneys are recovering, she’s off dialysis after being on for two weeks with two blood transfusions. Which is really good news, she’s overcome the worst part.
“We’re currently working on her stomach and bowels which the HUS can cause complications with. She needs 12-hour feeds through an NG tube as she has pains when eating solids. “
During the last month, Freya has been making friends with the staff at Manchester Children’s Hospital, who Georgia says have been ‘absolutely brilliant’.
She said: “I couldn’t fault them. The nurses in particular have gotten to know Freya and show her so much care, compassion and patience.”
Georgia, who lives with daughters Freya and Isla in close to the University of Lancashire in Preston, with both attending English Martyrs Catholic Primary School nearby, is appalled that TUI did not give warnings or guidance to her before she went on her trip to Egypt.
A complaint was raised with TUI by mother-in-law Michelle when they returned from holiday but Georgia says this has not progressed since then. At the time, TUI accused the family of speaking to the media before making them aware, something that they insist is not true.
Georgia is determined that the dangers of E.Coli, which has been linked to death and illness at TUI-booked hotels in Egypt, are known to people travelling.
She said: “The dangers of E.Coli O157 needs to be taken seriously, if you or someone you care about experience any sort of symptoms please go seek help as soon as possible and don’t wait.
“Do your research on the complexes you’re staying in and see if there’s been any active cases.
“We’ve had no correspondence from Tui since Michelle spoke to them, once Freya is fit and out of hospital I’ll be taking it into my own hands and speaking to them myself.”
But more than anything, Georgia is proud of the character her daughter has shown over the past month.
She added: “Freya has shown the most extraordinary strength during the long four weeks she’s been fighting this.
“She has never given up and proved she’s the bravest and strongest little girl I know. She’s becoming the Freya we all know day-by-day.”
Earlier this month, a spokesperson for TUI told Blog Preston that they could not issue an official statement until they have been able to investigate properly. They have not yet issued a formal statement.
They said at the time that the hotel in question is sold by multiple operators, that over 300,000 Brits had travelled to Egypt with TUI over the last 12 months, and that the hotel is not currently subject to any health or safety restrictions. They advised that the UKHSA issues travel guidance.
The travel company is already under scrutiny after the death of Ariella Mann, one, who died in January from a kidney condition linked to E. coli after falling ill at the five‑star Jaz Makadi Aquaviva hotel in Hurghada – part of the same chain.
That incident came four months after a six-year-old boy was left in intensive care, and 18 months after a two-year-old girl was placed in an induced coma, both after staying at the same hotel on a TUI holiday.
All three of those children were diagnosed with Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome – just like Freya.
Health bosses at the time said that outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness are common in high-volume tourist settings – particularly in all-inclusive resorts with buffet restaurants. They said that operators have a role in maintaining food safety standards at such resorts.
