Swine flu outbreak shatters wedding dream
8:10am Wednesday 29th April 2009 in News By Lucy Ewing
DEVASTATED: Caroline James and David Haslam
CHILDHOOD sweethearts David Haslam and Caroline James had saved £14,000 for their dream wedding in Mexico.
But plans for their big day have been shattered by the outbreak of swine flu, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s advice not to travel to the Central American country unless it is absolutely essential.
The couple, of Elder Drive, Darcy Lever, were due to go to Cancun, Mexico, on May 11, for a two-week holiday where they would get married with 11 guests — including their two children Dannika, aged eight, and Jenson, aged two.
They booked their holiday with Thomas Cook last year, and although the travel company has cancelled all flights to Cancun until May 8, it is refusing to allow the couple to cancel their holiday and re-book at a later date.
But Miss James, aged 26, is four months pregnant and fears her unborn child and her two other children could fall victim to the deadly virus.
She said: “I have always wanted a beach wedding so we started saving up a few years ago. David has been working seven days a week recently so we had enough money. We really have worked hard for it.
“When I heard about the swine flu I was absolutely devastated about what it could mean for our wedding. We were meant to get married a few years ago, but postponed it when I fell pregnant, so we planned it for this year, as it’s our 10th anniversary.
“But if it endangers my unborn baby or Dannika or Jenson I just can’t risk it and I’ll have to give up the dream wedding. When you’re a mum your children come first.”
Miss James and Mr Haslam, aged 29, have been offered the choice of three other destinations, but the couple must ensure legal paperwork is in place, so they can marry in one of those countries, which can take time.
And, Miss James’ pregnancy means she must travel soon, as she cannot get travel insurance when she is 27 weeks pregnant or beyond.
A Thomas Cook spokesman said: “We are sincerely sorry to hear of the disruption the situation in Mexico has caused Caroline James and her wedding party.
“Holidaymakers who, like Ms James, have a Cancun holiday booked for travel later in May will be able to amend their holiday, free of charge, and select a different destination subject to availability and to the same value already booked.
“We are continuing to work with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to closely monitor the situation in Mexico and will update our passenger advice accordingly.”
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smittyh says...
10:37am Wed 29 Apr 09