Mum's Near-Fatal Holiday Nightmare: Legionnaires' Disease Strikes in Gran Canaria
A British mother has revealed how she nearly died after contracting a severe case of Legionnaires' disease during what was supposed to be a relaxing holiday to Gran Canaria. Juliet Leith, a 58-year-old retired primary school teacher from Maidstone, spent twelve harrowing days in intensive care and four days in an induced coma after falling critically ill at a four-star resort.
From Holiday Relaxation to Life Support
Juliet had been enjoying a £2,000 holiday with her sister Maureen at the Suite Princess hotel in Playa Taurito when she began experiencing flu-like symptoms on September 22, 2025. What initially seemed like a minor illness rapidly escalated into a life-threatening condition.
"I thought it was just flu or maybe Covid. Legionnaires' disease never even crossed my mind," Juliet recalled, highlighting how easily the serious infection can be mistaken for more common ailments.
By September 26, her condition had deteriorated so severely that she was admitted to a nearby hospital in Gran Canaria, where she tested positive for Legionnaires' disease. The bacterial infection had developed into severe pneumonia, requiring immediate intensive medical intervention.
Induced Coma and Family Emergency
Doctors made the difficult decision to place Juliet in an induced coma for four days as her body fought the infection. Medical staff warned her daughters, Jenny Gower, 38, and Josie Leith, 34, that their mother might not survive the ordeal.
"I have very vague memories of being in hospital and I didn't realise how serious things were until I woke up and was told I'd been in an induced coma for four days," Juliet explained. "That was a huge shock. I couldn't believe how close I'd come to dying."
The situation became so grave that both daughters immediately flew from the UK to be by their mother's bedside, facing the terrifying possibility that they might be saying their final goodbyes.
Critical Recovery and Ongoing Health Battles
After twelve days in intensive care, Juliet had recovered sufficiently to be medically repatriated to the UK. Upon landing at Gatwick Airport, she was immediately transferred to Maidstone Hospital for further assessment and treatment.
Juliet's medical team later revealed that her chances of survival at the peak of her illness had been approximately 20%, with initial treatments proving ineffective against the aggressive infection.
Now discharged from hospital, Juliet continues her recovery as an outpatient under specialist respiratory supervision. She still experiences memory gaps and is processing the traumatic events that unfolded during what should have been a pleasant holiday.
Legal Investigation and Public Warning
Juliet has instructed serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how she contracted Legionnaires' disease during her holiday, which was booked through tour operator TUI UK Limited.
"You never imagine something like this happening to you, especially on holiday," Juliet said. "The hardest part was knowing my children had seen me like that."
Jatinder Paul, the expert international serious injury lawyer representing Juliet, emphasised the importance of proper water system maintenance in public buildings like hotels.
"Public buildings like hotels often have complex water systems, so strict precautions are essential to stop the bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease from developing," Paul stated. "Nothing can undo what Juliet and her family have endured, but we are committed to getting her answers and specialist support."
Understanding Legionnaires' Disease
According to NHS England, Legionnaires' disease is a serious lung infection contracted by inhaling small droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria. Common sources include:
- Air conditioning systems
- Hot tubs and whirlpool baths
- Showers and taps that haven't been used regularly
- Complex water systems in large buildings
Symptoms typically include shortness of breath, high temperature, and chest pain or discomfort, particularly when breathing or coughing. The infection can rapidly progress to severe pneumonia, especially in older adults or those with underlying health conditions.
A Call for Greater Awareness
Juliet hopes that by sharing her traumatic experience, she can prevent others from suffering similarly.
"I never imagined Legionnaires' could be so serious, and I believe there needs to be more awareness of its symptoms and how dangerous it can be," she emphasised. "Only after my diagnosis did I learn that simple steps like running showers and checking air conditioning units can help prevent Legionnaires'."
A spokesperson for TUI responded: "We are sorry to hear about Ms Leith's circumstances as we want customers to have the best possible holiday experience. As this is a legal matter, we are unable to comment at this stage."
Juliet concluded with a sobering reflection: "I know I'm one of the lucky ones. Now, I just want answers and hope that by sharing my experience, we can stop others from finding themselves in the same situation."
