'My holiday cost me my dream job, my health and very nearly my life'

A DAD-OF-TWO says he nearly died after contracting a rare disease from a 'dirty' four-star hotel while on a sunshine break in Turkey.

- NEIL SHAW Reporter [e-mail]

Richard Moore, 55, began suffering from a fever and chest pains after returning from a five-day holiday with partner Julie, 50.

The chef became so ill he was rushed to hospital and placed in an induced coma and his wife and kids told he may not survive. Doctors confirmed he was suffering from potentially deadly Legionnaires' disease.

Richard, of Blyth, Northumberland, said: "This holiday was meant to be a short break before I started a new job as an executive chef. Instead, it cost me my dream job, my health and very nearly my life. As a result of the memory loss, I can't recall much of my time in hospital, but when I was admitted, I remember the fear and not knowing what was wrong.

"I'm lucky to be alive but it's so upsetting to think my family were told I might not live. I never realised Legionnaires' disease was so serious and I want to tell my story to make other people aware of the symptoms and the dangers.