British mum dies on family holiday after falling sick at five-star hotel

According to her family, there were hygiene failures across the resort.

Ms Walsh was with her husband Patrick, her son Sean, and her future daughter-in-law Gemma Kentish, The Sun have reported.

The family were there to celebrate Patrick's 60th birthday as well as Sean and Gemma's engagement.

Ms Walsh and Patrick had travelled to Cape Verde on August 1 when he fell ill.

A week later on August 8, Ms Walsh started suffering sickness, diarrhoea and sweating.

Ms Walsh was rushed to a clinic for treatment before being taken to hospital when her condition worsened.

The mother died just two days later in hospital.

Patrick said she was the "heart and soul of our family".

"She was caring, compassionate, and always put others first," Patrick added.

"Elena was a wonderful wife, mum, and friend. She was loved by everyone who knew her."

The retired plant operator said his family held concerns about the hygiene standards at the hotel during their 12 night stay.

Food was sometimes served lukewarm and not cooked properly.

Care Ms Walsh received was "chaotic" in the lead up to her death.

The husband added that he noticed the water "changing colour" as people would stand in the pool bar all day without leaving.

The Birmingham man has instructed medical negligence lawyers to investigate the care his wife of almost 40 years received.

Patrick said "we feel we deserve answers".

"Not just for our family but if Elena did fall ill, and die, because of the hygiene conditions at the hotel, we can then help try and prevent other families from going through the same horrific ordeal we have endured".

Specialist international serious injury lawyer Jatinder Paul said Ms Walsh's loved ones were "devastated".

"Understandably, they have a number of questions about how she contracted her illness and the care she received in Cape Verde," he added.

"While nothing can make up for their loss we're determined to at least help establish the answers they deserve."

AN inquest into Ms Walsh's death is due to be heard at a later date.

Patrick said: "After hours of trying to treat her, they suddenly told us Elena's organs were failing and there was nothing they could do for her."