A TEENAGE boy is expected to return home today after suffering from a potentially fatal illness while on holiday in Thailand.

George Grundy, aged 13, contracted a severe form of leptospirosis, also known as Weil’s disease, which causes the body’s internal organs to shut down.

It is thought a cut he suffered on a jungle trek got infected while he was river rafting.

The Canon Slade pupil had been on holiday with his father in Bangkok and the Thai islands.

He has been treated in hospitals in Koh Samui and Bangkok, and George’s mum, Debbie Adamson, aged 41, has since flown out to be with him.

He is expected to arrive back in the UK today, accompanied by medical staff.

Alan Morris, who is married to George’s grandmother Kath, said: “He was critically ill. There was a time when we were prepared for the worst.

“But he is quite a little fighter. We think he is through the worst of it now.”

George, from Atherton, flew to Thailand on August 18. He started to develop a high temperature and complained of an upset stomach about a week later.

His dad, Paul, aged 42, called for a doctor but his condition deteriorated and he was taken to hospital in Koh Samui, where he was stabilised.

But doctors there were unable to confirm what was causing him to be so unwell and he was flown to Bangkok where they diagnosed leptospirosis and began treating him.

His liver and kidneys had stopped working, and he had to undergo a number of dialysis sessions, as well as blood transfusions.

Mr Morris, of The Welland, Westhoughton, said: “The hospitals have been excellent with George and the family. He has had first rate treatment.”

He added that he believed George was on the road to recovery because the youngster had started to eat again for the first time since contracting the disease.

Mr and Mrs Morris, and George’s five-year-old brother Charlie, are now looking forward to welcoming him home.

Mr Morris, aged 70, added: “We are very much looking forward to him being back home. Charlie is looking forward to seeing his big brother.”

Leptospirosis is known as a zoonotic condition, which means that it can be spread from animals to humans.

Animals can become infected by bacteria called leptospires. They then contaminate a water source by urinating into it.

If a human then comes into close contact with the infected water, such as through the eyes, mouth, nose or any cuts in their skin, they can become infected with leptospirosis.

The disease is most common in tropical and sub-tropical areas, and is extremely rare in the UK. lucy.ewing@theboltonnews.co.uk