A British woman is fighting for her life after contracting Legionnaires’ disease while on what was meant to be an idyllic holiday in Greece. Donna Jobling, 57, and her husband Sidney, both from west Hull, embarked on a much-anticipated break to the island of Crete, but the trip soon turned into a nightmare.
The £1,500 holiday, organised through easyJet Holidays, began positively with the couple and their friends, Paula and Nicolas Mason, enjoying the sun, food, and local hospitality. Yet, what started as a dream escape took a serious turn on 5 June when Donna began to feel unwell. Her condition worsened rapidly as she developed a significant chest infection, which deteriorated further over the next few days.
By 11 June, the situation had become critical. Donna was admitted to intensive care at Venizeleio Hospital in Heraklion after doctors confirmed she had contracted Legionnaires’ disease—a severe form of pneumonia typically caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with the Legionella pneumophila bacteria. According to her family, the infection quickly led to acute respiratory failure, and Donna had to be placed in an induced coma to support her breathing.
Speaking about the ordeal, Donna’s niece Claire, 42, described the immense distress the family has experienced. “We are all devastated and beside ourselves,” she said, adding that they were told it was “touch and go” as to whether Donna would survive. Claire, a mum-of-six, flew to Crete upon hearing of her aunt’s condition but has since returned home to Hull briefly to gather insurance documents required for Donna’s ongoing care.
Legionnaires’ disease can be particularly dangerous for individuals with underlying health issues. Donna is known to have several complex health conditions, including epilepsy, which make her especially vulnerable. Despite the emotional upheaval, Claire expressed gratitude to hospital staff, noting the high standards of care in the intensive care unit, where visiting hours are strictly limited to 30 minutes to assure the best environment for recovery.
As a precaution, easyJet Holidays took steps to relocate guests from the affected hotel and offered alternative accommodations to those scheduled to visit in the coming weeks. The company has also reached out to guests who have recently returned home to share health guidance and to monitor for possible symptoms. “We’re so sorry to hear that Ms Jobling is unwell, and we’re continuing to support her and her family in every way we can,” a spokesperson said. “Our customers’ safety and wellbeing is our top priority, and we’ll continue to do all we can to support them.”
The hotel at the centre of the incident is reportedly collaborating with local health authorities in Crete to determine the precise source of the outbreak and to implement further safety measures.
Recalling happier memories, Claire spoke of previous trips to Crete as a family’s cherished escape destination, praising the island’s welcoming atmosphere, excellent weather, and cuisine. “It used to be our go-to holiday destination,” she reflected. “We have happy memories of the island.” The close-knit family are now clinging to hope that Donna’s resilient spirit will see her through this critical period.
Friends Paula and Nicolas Mason, who returned to Hull on 12 June, echoed the shock at how quickly Donna’s health declined. “It was lovely at the start of the holiday. We all walked everywhere. Then it came out from nowhere,” said Paula, highlighting the abruptness and seriousness of the illness.
As Donna remains under round-the-clock supervision in hospital, her family are relying on a mixture of medical expertise and community support. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks posed by Legionnaires’ disease, particularly in communal settings such as hotels where air conditioning and water systems can be a source of infection if not properly maintained.
As authorities continue their investigation in Crete, the Jobling family—and many back home in Hull—await further updates with anxious hope for Donna’s recovery.