**British Holidaymaker Faces Lengthy Hospital Battle After Contracting Legionnaires’ Disease in Montenegro**
Steven Percy’s dream holiday turned to catastrophe just hours after he asked his partner to marry him, when a mystery illness left him fighting for his life and facing months of harrowing recovery. The 67-year-old, from York, North Yorkshire, had chosen the Palmon Bay Hotel and Spa in Montenegro for what should have been a celebration, marking his engagement to girlfriend Karen, 53. Instead, he returned home facing a terrifying health ordeal that would test his resilience and change his life dramatically.
Percy’s symptoms began almost immediately after his engagement, with an initial fever that he at first thought was simply the flu. Yet, in the days that followed his return to the UK, it quickly became apparent that his condition was much more serious. As his health deteriorated rapidly and confusion set in, he was rushed to York Hospital, where further tests revealed he was suffering from Legionnaires’ disease, a rare but potentially deadly bacterial infection most commonly contracted through contaminated water vapour, such as that found in air conditioning or spa facilities.
Within days of his admission on 16 April last year, Percy’s situation worsened considerably. Doctors placed him into an induced coma as he developed multiple organ failure and sepsis—a critical state where the body’s response to infection is so extreme it begins damaging its own tissues. For the next four months, Steven remained in hospital, surviving a series of life-threatening complications. Following his discharge in July, he spent an additional two weeks in a neuro-rehabilitation centre to address cognitive and physical impairments caused by his illness.
Throughout his ordeal, Percy lost the ability to swallow, leaving him reliant on a feeding tube for several months. Recalling his experience, he expressed gratitude for his survival but admitted the trauma continued to haunt him and his family. “It was meant to be a trip we’d remember forever—but for all the wrong reasons. I’m aware I’m fortunate to be alive, but the cost to me and Karen has been enormous,” he remarked. He also noted issues with the hotel’s maintenance upon arrival, saying that spa facilities appeared neglected and warning signs included falling tiles and a closed swimming pool.
The long-term consequences of Percy’s illness are still unfolding. Despite being back at home, he has been unable to return to his role as a funeral director and continues to suffer from fatigue, weakness, memory loss, and ongoing concerns about permanent lung damage. Percy’s recovery is ongoing, with medical assessments yet to determine if he will regain his previous level of health. “I left for the holiday walking on air; now, my every day is a struggle. My life has changed beyond recognition, but I’m determined to keep fighting for the things I love, including my career,” he added.
Given the circumstances, Percy has enlisted the support of Irwin Mitchell, a law firm specialising in complex international injury cases, to investigate the origins of his illness. Steven’s legal representative, Jennifer Hodgson, stated, “Steven’s account is distressing and, sadly, not unique. Legionnaires’ can be devastating, and survivors frequently endure long-term health problems. He deserves clear answers about how this happened, especially on such a meaningful occasion with his partner.”
The firm is appealing to other holidaymakers who may have been affected while staying at the Palmon Bay Hotel and Spa to come forward. While investigations continue, the spotlight has once again fallen on holiday health and safety, and the standard of facility maintenance at popular tourist hotels.
Requests for comment have been submitted to Jet2Holidays, the travel operator, as well as to hotel management in Montenegro, but no official responses had been provided at the time of writing.
Percy’s case highlights the hidden dangers that can lurk behind even the most idyllic getaways, opening a wider conversation about the responsibilities of resorts toward their guests’ wellbeing. As British travellers increasingly seek reassurance following recent global health scares, this distressing episode serves as a sobering reminder of the crucial importance of rigorous hygiene standards in hotels worldwide.
For now, Steven and Karen continue to focus on recovery and hope their experience will prompt greater vigilance and accountability within the travel industry, ensuring future holidaymakers do not share the same fate.