British Tourist’s Dream Vacation Turns Nightmare After Mysterious Lung Disease Strikes

Imagine setting off for a sunny getaway in Crete, only to find yourself tangled in the unexpected clutches of ‘walking pneumonia’—a deceivingly mild name for a serious illness. That’s exactly what happened to Donna Jobling, a 57-year-old woman from Hull, whose holiday turned into a harrowing hospital stay in Greece’s Venizeleio Hospital. As Donna battles Legionnaires’ disease in intensive care, her story raises a chilling question: when does a relaxing vacation slip into a medical ordeal? Join me as we unravel the twists of this unsettling holiday tale and ponder the hidden dangers lurking behind the allure of warm weather and gorgeous scenery. LEARN MORE.

A woman from Hull is in intensive care after contracting an illness known as ‘walking pneumonia’ while on holiday in Greece.

Donna Jobling, 57, is currently receiving treatment at Venizeleio Hospital in Heraklion, Crete, having come down with the beginnings of the illness at the start of this month.

By 5 June, Donna – who was holidaying with husband Sidney and their two pals Nicholas and Paula – had progressed to a chest infection before falling seriously unwell two days later.

According to her niece Claire, doctors placed Donna in a medically induced coma on 11 June, with tests confirming her frightening diagnosis; a form of ‘walking pneumonia’ AKA Legionnaires’ disease.

Legionnaires’ disease is a lung infection which is contracted through inhaling drops of water infected with the bacteria from things like hot tubs and air con.

Claire flew out to the Greek island as soon as news of her auntie’s condition reached her ears, having joined Sidney by Donna’s hospital bedside.

Donna is in intensive care in Heraklion, Crete (Getty Stock)

“We are all devastated and beside ourselves,” shared Claire. “We were told it was touch and go whether she would survive. We are all praying for her. She is stable but under constant watch.

“We flew out there but had to come back because of work and family commitments. I’m still waiting for documents but will go back with them as soon as I have them.”

Donna, who suffers from epilepsy, is ‘like a mother to us all’ according to her niece, who also revealed the family has ‘happy memories’ of holidaying in Crete together.

“It used to be our go-to holiday destination and we went as a whole family. It is beautiful. The weather is great and the food is fantastic.”

The Venizeleio Hospital is apparently ‘quite strict’ with its intensive care visitation protocols – 30 minutes is the standard allowance – though Claire said Donna is being ‘well looked after’.

Meanwhile, friend Paula – who flew back to Hull with Nicholas the day after Donna entered the coma – went on to say of the nightmare trip: “It was lovely at the start of the holiday. We all walked everywhere. Then it came out from nowhere.

Her husband Sidney is supporting Donna from her bedside (MEN Media)

“She has a lot of health problems anyway. But she became seriously ill and the doctor said she had to be taken to hospital and they have put her in an induced coma in the intensive care unit.”

Although the origin of the illness is yet to be determined, easyJet Holidays has ‘immediately’ removed its other customers from the hotel they were staying at as a precaution.

“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 for the travel company told LADbible.

“As soon as we were made aware of reports of illness, we immediately took action and contacted customers who were already staying in the hotel, or due to travel in the next four weeks, to provide alternative hotel options. We’ve also been in touch with customers who recently returned home from this hotel, to inform them of necessary guidance.

“Our customers’ safety and wellbeing is our top priority, and we’ll continue to do all we can to support them.”

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson added: “We are supporting the family of a British woman in hospital in Greece and are in contact with the local authorities.”