A BRADFORD couple are stranded penniless in Bulgaria after a sunshine break turned into disaster and ended in a hospital's intensive care unit.

Shopfitter Simon Reilly, 42, had been enjoying his holiday with 50-year-old wife Amanda when he was struck down with agonising stomach pains.

A doctor at the seaside resort of Sunny Beach rushed Mr Reilly off to a private hospital where doctors performed emergency surgery on his pancreas, which was about to rupture, and has landed them with a £5,000 bill for his care.

He is now recovering at hospital in Burgas but more financial agony lies ahead with a row over the insurance cover they took out before they travelled to the Black Sea Coast with Vulcan Holidays.

When Mrs Reilly tried to get help from the insurance company to pay it off, she was told her claim was being declined because her husband's medical records showed he had missed a hospital appointment in Bradford last year when he had a stomach problem.

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus from Bulgaria, Mrs Reilly said: "We didn't think we'd have to declare that. Nothing ever came of it because he got better.

"It's not connected. Simon was perfectly fit and healthy before the holiday. It's turned into a nightmare.

"We weren't covered by our European Health Insurance Cards either. We've got no money left, it all went on this holiday. We've got nothing to pay the bill with, never mind paying for somewhere to stay until he's fit to fly home.

"We can't even afford to buy any tickets home. We're penniless and need help."

Mrs Reilly, of Stoneacre Court, West Bowling, got in touch with the British Embassy which offered to contact family and friends on her behalf to try to raise the cash they needed.

But Mrs Reilly said: "They are all in the same boat back home. They don't have any money either."

She said she has struggled to get any kind of help in the resort, and from the hospital in Burgas where English is not well spoken, and added: "I thought I was going to lose Simon. It was touch and go."

The couple were due to fly home today but doctors have told them Mr Reilly needs to rest for a few more days until he is well enough to make the journey.

A spokesman at Cardiff-based Global Response, appointed by Solid Insurance to provide 24 hour medical claim assistance claim, said it had reviewed information available at the time of Mr Reilly's claim and reviewed it in line with policy terms and conditions and information given and asked for when the cover was sold.

"We will be providing the family with a detailed written response in relation to the claim and its declinature, on behalf of Solid Insurance," he said.

"We are of course available to assist the family in any way necessary, but without accepting any costs on behalf of the insurer. This has been made clear to Mr Reilly and his family."

Back in Bradford friends, including Pauline Hall, are trying to rally round.

Mrs Hall said; "It's just terrible what happened. It's not as if they didn't bother with travel insurance, they did the right thing buying it but it's been no help at all."

Mrs Reilly said: "It's a warning to anyone buying insurance. Read the small print over and over again and tell them about anything - even if it's just been a GP appointment."

Vulcan Holidays is trying to re-arrange Mr and Mrs Reilly's flights home for next Saturday.