Mum-of-three tells how holiday in the sun is ruined after Thomas Cook collapse

Lisa Brewster, a mum of three whose holiday has been cancelled. Pic: Lisa Brewster

It is one of several tales of woe from people who have saved hard for a break only to find they won't be going after Thomas Cook collapsed.

But despite the upset, those affected said their hearts went out to employees of the 178-year-old tour operator who had lost their jobs.

Thomas Cook branches including in London Street, Norwich, were closed after the collapse of the firm when it failed to find the £200m funding to stop it going into administration.

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The London Street branch of Thomas Cook which was closed today. Pic: Archant

Lisa Brewster, a mum of three, from Norwich was due to fly to Dalaman tomorrow from Stansted with friend Selina Starksy. It was a special break away from being a mum to her children, aged 15, 13 and seven, that she had saved up for all year.

Her flights were booked with Thomas Cook via Teletext and accommodation at a five star hotel in Marmaris, booked separately. The trip has cost more than £1,000 with another £1,000 on top of that in pre-booked trips while there including going on a boat and a jeep safari.

Lisa said: "At first, I was so upset, but then I sat back and thought, my holiday is a luxury so it could have been worse and there are a lot of people out of jobs which is much worse than my situation.

MORE: Jobs lost and holidays ruined as Thomas Cook falls into liquidation

Katie Holt, whose surprise holiday for her husband has been scrapped after the Thomas Cook collapse. Pic: Katie Holt

"But I had saved up all year for this holiday, my husband Stuart and I took the children away earlier on in the year and this was a bit of me time and I've been told it will take up to two months to get my flight money back so it means I can't book another holiday. I'd also booked a train to Stansted. I didn't know anything until today when I got an email telling me not to go to the airport tomorrow."

Katie Holt, 38, a child minder, also from Norwich, had booked to take her husband, Elliott, also a child minder, away in November to New York with Thomas Cook as a surprise for his 50th birthday. This trip is now also cancelled and she has had to come clean on the surprise as a result.

"I booked it back in January and spent more than £2,000 but I will get my money back. I'd also booked tours and a Thanksgiving meal when we were there. But people have lost their jobs and we can go on holiday somewhere else another time. I had to tell my husband: 'A surprise was planned for your birthday, we were going to New York but Thomas Cook has gone under.'"

Have you been affected by the Thomas Cook collapse? Do you work for them? Have you a holiday booked? Are you on holiday with them now?

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