A father’s vacation took a terrifying turn as he experienced severe health issues while relaxing by the pool. Peter Beetham, aged 49, who had recently completed three years of cancer treatment, decided to celebrate his recovery by taking a trip to Gran Canaria with his partner, Sharleene Hickman, and a friend on March 13.
Unfortunately, only two days into their £12,500 holiday, Peter started vomiting a significant amount of blood and then collapsed while at the poolside. Despite seeking medical attention at a local hospital, he was initially misdiagnosed with sunstroke and sent away. The situation worsened the following day when Peter began experiencing continuous bleeding, prompting him to urgently return home on a £50 flight on March 15.
Upon landing in Manchester, Peter immediately sought medical help at Manchester Royal Infirmary, where doctors discovered that he was suffering from internal bleeding caused by a ruptured ulcer in his bowel. This complication was attributed to a previous surgery to remove his pancreas in August 2025.
Peter reflected on the ordeal, expressing gratitude for surviving the life-threatening situation that could have resulted in his death either on the plane or by the pool. He underwent seven blood transfusions and a minor procedure, and is now on the road to recovery. Despite the harrowing experience, Peter acknowledged that his holiday was ruined and shared his reluctance to plan another trip due to the trauma.
Currently, Peter is scheduled for further medical procedures, including an iron transfusion and scans to monitor his recovery progress. Recalling his symptoms, Peter emphasized that he knew his condition was not related to sunstroke, as he had not been exposed to excessive sunlight and had maintained proper hydration.
As Peter continues his recovery journey, he remains apprehensive about future travel plans, prioritizing his health and well-being after the alarming incident.
