Man dies of food poisoning on Spanish Jet2 holiday

Julie Green said it was "difficult to find the words to describe" the loss of her husband Leslie

The death of a man from food poisoning on a birthday holiday to Fuerteventura has left a "gaping hole" in his family, his widow has said.

Leslie Green, 70, died in hospital on 4 November 2024 after he contracted the bacterial infection salmonella when he ate undercooked chicken at an all-inclusive hotel.

An inquest heard Mr Green and his wife Julie, from Little Lever in Bolton, had been holidaying with Jet2 on the Spanish island and had only eaten at the Occidental Jandia Playa resort where they were staying.

In a statement, Jet2 said it would be "inappropriate" to comment due to an ongoing legal claim, but offered its "thoughts and condolences" to the Green family.

The BBC has also contacted Barcelo Hotel Group, which owns the Occidental Jandia Playa resort, for a comment.

Mrs Green said life "would never be the same" following her husband's death but she hoped by speaking out, she could warn others about the dangers of salmonella.

"I still struggle to comprehend how we went on holiday, but Leslie didn't come home," she said.

Leslie Green and his wife Julie stayed at the Occidental Jandia Playa resort

Mrs Green, who is a retired nurse, was also taken ill a few days after her husband and spent a week in hospital on the island.

"Leslie was such a loving and caring husband and dad," the 60-year-old said.

"He was my best friend and life without him will never be the same."

Rochdale Coroner's Court heard Mr Green began suffering symptoms including diarrhoea on 9 October 2024, nine days after the couple's arrival.

He became dehydrated and was seen by the in-resort doctor on 12 October, who sent him to a local clinic to be given fluids.

However, his condition deteriorated and he was admitted to hospital the following day.

Mr Green, a retired delivery driver for the Manchester Evening News, was later placed into an induced coma after suffering sepsis, but doctors said nothing further could be done for him.

The couple's daughter Becci, 35, flew out to be at her father's bedside and was there when the decision was made to end his life-support.

An inquest heard the Greens had contracted salmonella after eating at the resort

The coroner concluded Mr Green had died from food poisoning contracted whilst on holiday after eating partially cooked chicken.

His body was flown home on 12 November, with his wife and daughter on board the repatriation flight.

Speaking after the inquest, Mrs Green said she would "do anything not to be in this position and for Leslie to be in our lives, but I know that's not possible".

"Listening to the evidence has been difficult but it was something I was determined to do to honour Leslie's memory," she added.

The family's solicitor, Jennifer Hodgson from law firm Irwin Mitchell, said the family had their concerns "validated" by the inquest.

"While nothing can make up for the ordeal Julie and her family have been through, it's now vital that lessons are learned to improve hygiene for other holidaymakers in the future," she said.