A group of parents are considering taking legal action after 20 people, including young children, fell seriously ill following a visit to a popular children’s play farm. Visitors to Gannow Farm in Worcestershire experienced symptoms such as sickness and diarrhea after coming into contact with animals infected with cryptosporidium, a parasitic infection. The UK Health Security Agency and public health lawyers are investigating the incident, and the farm has closed for the remainder of its Farm Experience 2024 season.
One of the children affected was Georgia Powell, four, who remains ill and unable to return to nursery following a visit on Easter Monday (April 1). Her mother, Michelle Powell, said Georgia was struck down with severe sickness and diarrhea around a week later and has since tested positive for cryptosporidium. Three weeks later, Georgia continues to suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, and a lack of appetite. Michelle expressed concern over the lack of supervision and the number of people allowed in the animal pens during their visit.
Another family, including Danielle Furlong and her daughters Sienna-Mai Southern and Darcie Southern, aged nine and three, also fell ill after a trip on April 2. Both girls became unwell a few days later, and Sienna was admitted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital on April 11 with severe vomiting and was treated with medication. Despite being discharged later that day, Sienna continues to be unwell, as does her sister Darcie. Sienna-Mai, a national winner in girls’ motorcross, has been unable to race due to the ongoing effects of her illness. Danielle stated that the family wants answers and expressed concern about the seriousness of illnesses like cryptosporidium.
Emily Fryer’s five-year-old son, Isaac, also fell ill after a visit to Gannow Farm on March 27. Isaac was initially discharged from A&E at Royal Worcester Hospital on April 7 but was readmitted when he hadn’t eaten in four days. He remained in the hospital until April 9, with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis, and a stool sample taken on April 17 is still awaiting results. Isaac missed over a week of school and remains unwell. Emily expressed concern about the lack of supervision and the number of people allowed in the animal pens during their visit.
Jatinder Paul, a specialist public health lawyer at Irwin Mitchell supporting the families, highlighted the seriousness of cryptosporidium infections, especially for vulnerable individuals like children. He emphasized the need for answers and the importance of learning from this incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In a Facebook post, the farm stated that they have decided to close for the remainder of the 2024 Farm Experience to prioritize the welfare of their visitors. They are working closely with the authorities and will provide refunds for affected bookings. The farm expressed wishes for a speedy recovery to those who have fallen ill.
