Leslie Green contracted salmonella at a resort in Fuerteventura to celebrate his 70th
12:36, 10 Aug 2025Updated 12:37, 10 Aug 2025
Leslie Green on holiday in the Canary Islands, before he fell ill(Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)
A British dad died from food poisoning after eating half-cooked chicken at a luxury resort while on holiday in the Canary Islands, an inquest heard.
Leslie Green was struck down with salmonella while staying at a 4-star resort in Fuerteventura to celebrate his birthday.
The 70-year-old had been enjoying a sunshine getaway with his family to mark the milestone birthday when he fell ill during the second week of the £2,300 holiday.
The grandfather-of-one was admitted to a Spanish hospital where he developed complications, including sepsis and kidney failure.
Leslie, a retired newspaper delivery driver for the Manchester Evening News, died in hospital around four weeks later from multi-organ failure.
An inquest has now found Leslie, from Little Lever, Bolton, Greater Manchester, died from food poisoning he contracted as a result of eating partially cooked chicken on holiday.
His wife of 38 years, Julie, was also left seriously ill from salmonella on the day of her 60th birthday and spent a week in hospital. Julie said she and Leslie had only eaten from the buffet in the hotel during their holiday.
Julie and Leslie Green on their holiday in the Canary Islands, before Leslie fell ill(Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS)
The inquest at Rochdale Coroner’s Court concluded Leslie died of multi-organ failure as a result of sepsis, caused by salmonella.
After the hearing, Julie said: “It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe the last few months and trying to come to terms with Leslie’s death.
“Leslie was such a loving and caring husband and dad. He was my best friend and life without him will never be the same. I still struggle to comprehend how we went on holiday, but Leslie didn’t come home.”
She added: “Listening to the evidence has been difficult but it was something I was determined to do to honour Leslie’s memory.
“I just hope that by speaking out I can prevent anyone else suffering like Leslie did. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
Leslie fell ill on October 9 last year with symptoms including diarrhoea, which led to dehydration.
Julie said the couple had concerns a carbonara sauce they ate one day was lukewarm while she found her chicken undercooked during another meal. She also claimed she didn’t see any staff washing their hands and newly cooked food would be mixed with food that had been stood.
Leslie was seen by the in-resort doctor on October 12 and taken by ambulance to the local clinic to be given fluids. When his condition did not improve, he was admitted to hospital the following day.
Leslie suffered complications including kidney failure, pneumonia and sepsis – a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body attacks itself in response to an infection.
He was placed into an induced coma, yet he continued to deteriorate, and doctors said they could do nothing further for him. Leslie died hours after his life-support machine was switched off on November 4 and his body was repatriated a week later.
Jennifer Hodgson, an international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Julie, said: “Julie and the rest of her family remain devastated by Leslie’s death and the circumstances surrounding it.
“Understandably they’ve had a number of concerns about how Leslie contracted his infection. Sadly, the inquest has validated their concerns, hearing worrying evidence.
“What happened to Leslie vividly highlights the impact of salmonella and why it, and other gastric illnesses, should never be downplayed.
“While nothing can make up for the ordeal Julie and her family have been through, it’s now vital that lessons are learned to improve hygiene for other holidaymakers in the future.
“We continue to support Julie at this distressing time.”