'Elena was a wonderful wife, mum and friend... she was loved by everyone'

THE husband of a Birmingham woman who died while on holiday in Cape Verde has spoken of his concerns over the hygiene standards of their hotel.

- HANNAH AHMED

Six Brits have died while on holiday there, following the contraction of a stomach bug, with four deaths reported over the last few months.

Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham, Mark Ashley, 55, of Bedfordshire, 64-year-old Karen Pooley, from Gloucestershire, and an unnamed 56-year-old all died last year, between the months of August and November 2025, after suffering from severe gastric illnesses.

Irwin Mitchell, the legal firm, is now in charge of representing more than 1,500 other tourists who have reported becoming seriously ill after visiting Cape Verde.

It was understood that many of the victims had been staying at all-inclusive resorts in Sal, specifically those operated by Riu Hotels and booked through travel firm Tui.

Birmingham local, Elena’s husband, Patrick, shared serious concerns about the hygiene standards of the hotel during the 12-night stay.

Patrick, who was married to Elena for nearly four decades, said: “Elena was the heart and soul of our family. She was caring, compassionate and always put others first.

“Elena was a wonderful wife, mum and friend. She was loved by everyone who knew her. In the nearly 40 years we'd been together, I'd never seen Elena so poorly.