Traveller urges others to take precautions on excursions after quad bike crash
Tony Holliday, who now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, required two operations on his right leg after he collided with rocks and was thrown from a quad bike while on an excursion in Cape Verde in March 2023.
The property developer travelled to the island, off the coast of west Africa, with his wife, Bev, and two of his daughters, Keeley and Rhianna.
The 57-year-old, from Cockermouth, Cumbria, is suing Tui UK, claiming it misrepresented the nature of the excursion and was negligent, and is seeking more than £500,000 in damages.
Tui is understood to be opposing the claim and is due to file its defence at the High Court later this year.
Speaking to the PA news agency, he urged travellers to take precautions while abroad.
He said: 'Please check everything. If something doesn't feel right… take the full checks, make sure everything's there (and) the health and safety looks like it's in place.'
He continued: 'We asked questions at the time but were not given the correct answers.'
Mrs Holliday, 54, said: 'Make sure that you've got the right insurance in place, that you're going through your tour operator, and just think carefully about the excursions that you take your family on and that you go on, and just to try and look out for things that we didn't see.'
The family agreed to go on the free quad bike excursion as compensation for issues with lost luggage and rooms smelling of sewage earlier in the trip.
In court documents filed by law firm Stewarts, which is representing Mr Holliday, Sarah Prager KC said that Tui staff described the excursion as 'suitable for total beginners', despite the company saying online that it was an 'off-road adventure', an 'action-packed excursion', and 'four adrenaline-pumping hours' on 'very powerful machines'.
Mr Holliday believed the excursion was provided by Tui but later found out it was organised by a local provider.
Mr Holliday continues to suffer from anxiety and issues with sleep following the incident, and said he 'feels a second slower than where I should be'.
He said: 'Although I went through it, I didn't witness what my family had to witness, and I don't think they'll ever get that image out of their head.
'So it's not just me who has suffered. I think the full family has suffered through this.
'It should never have happened.'
Mrs Holliday said: 'It's really strange when you've got a partner who has no fear… he gets himself out there and he loves the challenge, work-wise.
'It's really strange to then find yourself in the position where he hasn't got that confidence any more, and your life completely changes.
'He will get back, he will get back to where he is. We'll make sure he does.'
Chris Deacon, international injury lawyer at Stewarts, said: 'Sadly, every year I see cases like Tony's, of people sustaining serious, life-changing injuries on holiday excursions.
'One of the key factors which influences whether a person can bring a compensation claim for their injuries is how the excursion (is) booked.
'This is because booking your excursion through your tour operator as part of your package holiday brings with it certain protections under the package travel regulations.
'If you book through a small, local provider, there is a risk they won't be insured, fully or at all, with no safeguard that the tour operator may have risk assessed the provider or activity, and the added complication of potentially having to bring your legal case in a foreign jurisdiction.
'What is also worth knowing is that many travel insurance policies exclude high-risk activities such as quad biking, parachuting, bungee jumping and certain watersports.
'So even if you have travel insurance, don't assume it will cover you for everything.'
A spokesperson for Tui said: 'We are sorry that Mr Holliday was injured during his holiday to Cape Verde.
'As this is now a legal matter, we are unable to comment any further at this time.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
The reverse migration: African Americans relocating to Kenya cite heritage and restoration
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenneth Harris spent most of his days in Atlanta yearning for a life in a place where his dark skin color is not a source of suspicion, but a mark of a shared heritage. His chance came two years ago when he bought a one-way ticket to Kenya. The 38-year-old retired veteran has found a community in the east African country's capital, where he now runs an Airbnb business. He loves admiring Nairobi's golden sunset from a rooftop terrace, and enjoys a luxurious lifestyle in a tastefully furnished apartment in an upmarket neighborhood. Harris is part of a growing wave of African Americans who are relocating to Kenya, citing the need to connect with their ancestors — or 'coming home," a phrase often used among the Black community. Like dozens of other African Americans who have moved to Nairobi in recent years, Harris was attracted to Kenya's tropical climate and what he describes as the warmth and friendliness of the people he believes he shares a history and culture with. In search of community and a better life 'I have always had that adventurous spirit, especially when I joined the military and got to go to different countries. So I am taking the opportunity to venture out to new places," he said. 'That is what allowed me to make a home away from home and Kenya is my new home.' Some friends have reaching out to him to explore a 'change from the U.S for their peace of mind,' he said. Several other African Americans who have 'come home' like him have set up thriving businesses in Nairobi that include travel agencies, restaurants and farms. Many African Americans who have sought a better life abroad or are considering it said President Donald Trump's administration — with its crackdown on diversity programs — isn't the main reason they want to move. Rather, most say they had been mulling a move for some time, and the current political environment in the U.S. may be pushing them to act sooner than initially planned. 'I can't say the administration is the reason why the people I know want to part ways from America. Some are planning to move for a better quality of living life,' Harris said. Auston Holleman, an American YouTuber who has lived in various countries for almost a decade, said he settled on Kenya nine months ago because people 'look like me.' 'It is not like going to Europe or going to some Latin American countries where there are not many Black people,' he said. Holleman, who often films his daily life, said he felt that the social fabric in the U.S. was 'broken." In contrast, he said he felt socially accepted in Kenya. He cited an experience when his taxi driver's car stopped, and in five minutes they got help from a random stranger. 'That made me realize I was in the right place,' he said. Growing numbers are interested in leaving the US Other African countries have attracted even larger numbers of African Americans. Ghana, which launched a 'Year of the Return' program to attract the Black diaspora in 2019, said last year it held a ceremony that granted citizenship to 524 people, mostly Black Americans. African American businesses such as Adilah Relocation Services have seen a notable rise in the number of African Americans seeking to move to Kenya. The company's founder, Adilah Mohammad, moved to Kenya four days after her mother's funeral in search of healing. She says the peace and restoration she experienced in Kenya made her stay — and advocate for those searching for the same. Her company helps clients relocate by house hunting, shopping for furniture and ensuring banking and medical services are seamless. 'There are 15 families that have come so far, and we have five more on the calendar that are coming in the next 90 days. We have people that have booked for 2026 with no date, they just know that they are leaving,' she says. Mohammad said many African Americans have been planning their move for decades. 'For me it is a movement. It is people deciding to make a choice for themselves, they are not being forced, shackles are being broken. When they say they are coming home, they are choosing to be free and it is mental freedom and so I am ecstatic,' she says. Experts say African economies are likely to benefit from these moves, especially from those willing to tackle corruption and create a healthy environment for investors. Raphael Obonyo, a public policy expert at U.N-Habitat, says the U.S is losing resources — as well as the popular narrative that America is the land of opportunities and dreams. 'This reverse migration is denting that narrative, so America is most likely to lose including things like brain drain,' he explained. For Mohammad, the sense of belonging has given her peace within. 'I love being here. Returning to Africa is one thing, but finding the place that you feel like you belong is another,' she said. _____________ For more on Africa and development: The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
The reverse migration: African Americans relocating to Kenya cite heritage and restoration
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenneth Harris spent most of his days in Atlanta yearning for a life in a place where his dark skin color is not a source of suspicion, but a mark of a shared heritage. His chance came two years ago when he bought a one-way ticket to Kenya. The 38-year-old retired veteran has found a community in the east African country's capital, where he now runs an Airbnb business. He loves admiring Nairobi's golden sunset from a rooftop terrace, and enjoys a luxurious lifestyle in a tastefully furnished apartment in an upmarket neighborhood. Harris is part of a growing wave of African Americans who are relocating to Kenya, citing the need to connect with their ancestors — or 'coming home," a phrase often used among the Black community. Like dozens of other African Americans who have moved to Nairobi in recent years, Harris was attracted to Kenya's tropical climate and what he describes as the warmth and friendliness of the people he believes he shares a history and culture with. In search of community and a better life 'I have always had that adventurous spirit, especially when I joined the military and got to go to different countries. So I am taking the opportunity to venture out to new places," he said. 'That is what allowed me to make a home away from home and Kenya is my new home.' Some friends have reaching out to him to explore a 'change from the U.S for their peace of mind,' he said. Several other African Americans who have 'come home' like him have set up thriving businesses in Nairobi that include travel agencies, restaurants and farms. Many African Americans who have sought a better life abroad or are considering it said President Donald Trump's administration — with its crackdown on diversity programs — isn't the main reason they want to move. Rather, most say they had been mulling a move for some time, and the current political environment in the U.S. may be pushing them to act sooner than initially planned. 'I can't say the administration is the reason why the people I know want to part ways from America. Some are planning to move for a better quality of living life,' Harris said. Auston Holleman, an American YouTuber who has lived in various countries for almost a decade, said he settled on Kenya nine months ago because people 'look like me.' 'It is not like going to Europe or going to some Latin American countries where there are not many Black people,' he said. Holleman, who often films his daily life, said he felt that the social fabric in the U.S. was 'broken." In contrast, he said he felt socially accepted in Kenya. He cited an experience when his taxi driver's car stopped, and in five minutes they got help from a random stranger. 'That made me realize I was in the right place,' he said. Growing numbers are interested in leaving the US Other African countries have attracted even larger numbers of African Americans. Ghana, which launched a 'Year of the Return' program to attract the Black diaspora in 2019, said last year it held a ceremony that granted citizenship to 524 people, mostly Black Americans. African American businesses such as Adilah Relocation Services have seen a notable rise in the number of African Americans seeking to move to Kenya. The company's founder, Adilah Mohammad, moved to Kenya four days after her mother's funeral in search of healing. She says the peace and restoration she experienced in Kenya made her stay — and advocate for those searching for the same. Her company helps clients relocate by house hunting, shopping for furniture and ensuring banking and medical services are seamless. 'There are 15 families that have come so far, and we have five more on the calendar that are coming in the next 90 days. We have people that have booked for 2026 with no date, they just know that they are leaving,' she says. Mohammad said many African Americans have been planning their move for decades. 'For me it is a movement. It is people deciding to make a choice for themselves, they are not being forced, shackles are being broken. When they say they are coming home, they are choosing to be free and it is mental freedom and so I am ecstatic,' she says. Experts say African economies are likely to benefit from these moves, especially from those willing to tackle corruption and create a healthy environment for investors. Raphael Obonyo, a public policy expert at U.N-Habitat, says the U.S is losing resources — as well as the popular narrative that America is the land of opportunities and dreams. 'This reverse migration is denting that narrative, so America is most likely to lose including things like brain drain,' he explained. For Mohammad, the sense of belonging has given her peace within. 'I love being here. Returning to Africa is one thing, but finding the place that you feel like you belong is another,' she said. _____________ For more on Africa and development: The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at Solve the daily Crossword
Washington Post
8 hours ago
- Washington Post
The reverse migration: African Americans relocating to Kenya cite heritage and restoration
NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenneth Harris spent most of his days in Atlanta yearning for a life in a place where his dark skin color is not a source of suspicion, but a mark of a shared heritage. His chance came two years ago when he bought a one-way ticket to Kenya. The 38-year-old retired veteran has found a community in the east African country's capital, where he now runs an Airbnb business. He loves admiring Nairobi's golden sunset from a rooftop terrace, and enjoys a luxurious lifestyle in a tastefully furnished apartment in an upmarket neighborhood. Harris is part of a growing wave of African Americans who are relocating to Kenya, citing the need to connect with their ancestors — or 'coming home,' a phrase often used among the Black community. Like dozens of other African Americans who have moved to Nairobi in recent years, Harris was attracted to Kenya's tropical climate and what he describes as the warmth and friendliness of the people he believes he shares a history and culture with. 'I have always had that adventurous spirit, especially when I joined the military and got to go to different countries. So I am taking the opportunity to venture out to new places,' he said. 'That is what allowed me to make a home away from home and Kenya is my new home.' Some friends have reaching out to him to explore a 'change from the U.S for their peace of mind,' he said. Several other African Americans who have 'come home' like him have set up thriving businesses in Nairobi that include travel agencies, restaurants and farms. Many African Americans who have sought a better life abroad or are considering it said President Donald Trump's administration — with its crackdown on diversity programs — isn't the main reason they want to move. Rather, most say they had been mulling a move for some time, and the current political environment in the U.S. may be pushing them to act sooner than initially planned. 'I can't say the administration is the reason why the people I know want to part ways from America. Some are planning to move for a better quality of living life,' Harris said. Auston Holleman, an American YouTuber who has lived in various countries for almost a decade, said he settled on Kenya nine months ago because people 'look like me.' 'It is not like going to Europe or going to some Latin American countries where there are not many Black people,' he said. Holleman, who often films his daily life, said he felt that the social fabric in the U.S. was 'broken.' In contrast, he said he felt socially accepted in Kenya. He cited an experience when his taxi driver's car stopped, and in five minutes they got help from a random stranger. 'That made me realize I was in the right place,' he said. Other African countries have attracted even larger numbers of African Americans. Ghana, which launched a 'Year of the Return' program to attract the Black diaspora in 2019, said last year it held a ceremony that granted citizenship to 524 people, mostly Black Americans. African American businesses such as Adilah Relocation Services have seen a notable rise in the number of African Americans seeking to move to Kenya. The company's founder, Adilah Mohammad, moved to Kenya four days after her mother's funeral in search of healing. She says the peace and restoration she experienced in Kenya made her stay — and advocate for those searching for the same. Her company helps clients relocate by house hunting, shopping for furniture and ensuring banking and medical services are seamless. 'There are 15 families that have come so far, and we have five more on the calendar that are coming in the next 90 days. We have people that have booked for 2026 with no date, they just know that they are leaving,' she says. Mohammad said many African Americans have been planning their move for decades. 'For me it is a movement. It is people deciding to make a choice for themselves, they are not being forced, shackles are being broken. When they say they are coming home, they are choosing to be free and it is mental freedom and so I am ecstatic,' she says. Experts say African economies are likely to benefit from these moves, especially from those willing to tackle corruption and create a healthy environment for investors. Raphael Obonyo, a public policy expert at U.N-Habitat, says the U.S is losing resources — as well as the popular narrative that America is the land of opportunities and dreams. 'This reverse migration is denting that narrative, so America is most likely to lose including things like brain drain,' he explained. For Mohammad, the sense of belonging has given her peace within. 'I love being here. Returning to Africa is one thing, but finding the place that you feel like you belong is another,' she said. _____________ For more on Africa and development: The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at .
