A British mother who spent 16 days in a coma at a hospital in Greece after contracting Legionnaires' disease while on holiday fears she may never fully recover. Donna Jobling, 58, from Hull, was enjoying a £1,500-per-couple all-inclusive trip to Crete with her husband Sid, 70, and two friends when she fell ill.
The Ordeal in Crete
Donna first developed a chest infection on June 5, before falling seriously ill two days later. She was taken to Venizeleio Hospital in Crete on June 11, where doctors placed her in an induced coma. She spent over two weeks in intensive care, unable to move from her neck down without assistance. Tests confirmed Legionnaires' disease, which caused acute respiratory failure and pneumonia. Her devastated family flew out to be by her side.
Return to the UK and Diagnosis
After being transported back to the UK, Donna spent several weeks at Hull Royal Infirmary, where she was tragically diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune disorder that often follows a viral or bacterial infection. GBS causes the body's immune system to attack the nerves, leading to weakness and respiratory issues. Donna was told her case was severe, causing significant nerve damage.
Life-Changing Impact
Donna says her life has been totally changed. Her husband Sid has become her full-time carer over the past 12 months, helping with washing, showering, meals, and pushing her wheelchair when she can venture out. She often cannot lift her legs to get out of bed and feels completely shattered. Donna fears she may never get much better, as progress has been extremely slow.
Legal Action Against easyJet
Donna contacted Hudgell Solicitors, who made a claim against easyJet. The holiday operator has agreed to cover the cost of regular physiotherapy sessions but has not yet agreed to occupational therapy support or accepted liability for Donna contracting Legionnaires' disease at the Sergios Hotel in Hersonissos. Sid Jobling emphasized the need for easyJet to accept responsibility to prevent others from suffering. An easyJet Holidays spokesperson expressed sympathy and said they are exploring further ways to assist, but declined to comment further due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Symptoms of Legionnaires' Disease
Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection caused by inhaling infected droplets of water. Initial symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, high temperature, and flu-like symptoms, appearing between two and 10 days after exposure. The NHS advises seeking medical attention for a cough lasting three weeks or more, coughing up blood, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
