**Family’s ‘Holiday from Hell’ Due to Bed Bug Infestation at Devon Resort**
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A family vacation turned into a distressing experience for Terry Stockford, a 43-year-old electrician from Oxford, who claims to have suffered over 120 bed bug bites during a stay at Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, a resort operated by Haven. Stockford, his fiancée Jemma Higgs, and her two children arrived at the resort on July 13, only to find that their accommodation was infested with ants.
Upon checking in, the family was informed of the ant issue and advised to call maintenance if it worsened. Unfortunately, they soon discovered the ant repellent was ineffective, prompting Jemma and the children to seek refuge in Stockford’s car for the night. Meanwhile, he remained in the caravan, only to awake the next morning covered in numerous bed bug bites.
Describing the experience, Stockford noted, “I woke up with around 120 bed bug bites covering me from head to toe.” He expressed relief that Jemma and her children avoided the same fate, acknowledging the severity of the situation. Following this shocking discovery, the family was relocated to another caravan, which Stockford described as “possibly the worst caravan on the whole site,” citing unsanitary conditions including stained bedding, cobwebs, and broken curtains.
In an effort to assist, Haven offered to launder their clothing. However, Stockford was concerned about potentially spreading the bed bugs, leading to everything being washed at high temperatures, which resulted in shrinkage of their clothes. By July 15, the discomfort from the bites had reached unbearable levels, compelling Stockford to visit an urgent care clinic.
At the clinic, medical professionals confirmed the presence of bed bug bites and expressed astonishment at the severity of his condition, with one doctor, who claimed to have decades of experience, stating she had never encountered such an extensive case. Stockford was prescribed antibiotics as well as additional medication that impaired his ability to drive, leaving the family stranded at the resort.
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Haven allowed them to extend their stay without charge, but Stockford recounted the emotional toll it took on him and Jemma, saying, “We were in tears. All we wanted to do was go home.” He creatively found a way to cope with his distress from the bites, opting to take a bus to get his hair and beard completely shaved off in preparation for their upcoming wedding in four weeks.
In response to the incidents, a spokesperson for Haven expressed sincere apologies for the family’s experience. They outlined that immediate action was taken to address the issues once brought to their attention, including relocating the family and engaging an independent pest control specialist to inspect and treat the caravan.
Stockford spoke candidly about the prolonged stay, remarking on his feelings of hopelessness as he sought solace on the beach. “I literally had a breakdown,” he admitted, labelling the experience as a “holiday from hell.”
As of now, inquiries made to Stockford for further comment have yet to yield a response. The incident serves as a harrowing reminder of the potential inconveniences associated with holiday accommodations, raising questions about the measures in place to ensure guest safety and comfort. This unfortunate occurrence has left a significant impact on Stockford and his family, overshadowing what was meant to be a joyful getaway.