Airport staff come to aid of family taken off flight for dream holiday in chickenpox scare
The Doyle family's holiday was salvaged by quick-thinking airport and airline workers
A CANCER victim and his family had to leave their holiday plane at Birmingham Airport – because their one-year-old son was recovering from chickenpox.
Parents Paddy and Carrie Doyle had boarded the Monarch jet with son Jack and daughter Ruby, five, after booking a break to Portugal.
But as they settled down for the flight, the family was told to leave the plane after cabin crew discovered Jack was recovering from chickenpox.
Their dream holiday was only saved when customer services worker Zita Small offered to drive to their GP to get an official letter saying the youngster WAS fit to fly.
She also worked with Monarch to ensure the family were given VIP treatment when they headed out on holiday the following day.
Now Paddy, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year, Carrie and their children have thanked those that came to the rescue.
The grateful mum, who runs a company selling health products, says: “Heartbroken wasn’t the word.
“When I had to tell Ruby to get off she was so confused and upset to be told that we weren’t going on holiday again.”
Salvation came in the shape of Zita, an airport employee of 20 years.
She dashed to see the GP at The Forum Health Centre in Coventry, after the family doctor agreed to wait behind after surgery had closed.
Then she arranged for the family to fly out the following morning at no extra cost.
An overwhelmed Carrie said: “Not only did Zita make this holiday happen, but we’ve had VIP treatment all the way through.
“No queues, free food and drinks, and the captain asked to see us – and let my babies in to see the cockpit – before take off.
“A massive thank you to this incredible lady who didn’t have to do all that she did for us. She went completely out of her way with no benefit to her whatsoever.
“I’m so grateful to the amazing Zita, Birmingham International and Monarch who went above and beyond for us and gave me, and especially my children, a flight never to forget. And thanks, too, to our amazing Dr Chohan who without fail always looks after us.”
Paul Kehoe, chief executive of Birmingham Airport, said: “We are proud to have such a diligent, hard-working and sensitive employee working here at Birmingham Airport for our partner Swissport.
“Zita showed great initiative and intuition when she helped Carrie Doyle and her family continue on their holiday.
“The airport prides itself on great customer service and here we have Zita carrying out her day-to-day role with efficiency and compassion. She is a credit.”