Theft-hit family fly home after fears they would be stranded

A FAMILY who feared they would be stranded in Spain after being targeted by a thief have returned home.

Darralyn Ward was on holiday in the Costa Del Sol with her daughter Vanessa and grandson Ryan Ward-Peart when the family's money, credit cards and passports were stolen.

A Thomson rep told them to go to the British Consulate in Malaga to get temporary passports.

Larry Ward, who was staying at his mother's house in Burton Joyce while his family were away, said they found that difficult without money.

But at about 6pm on Monday – less than one day before they were due to fly back – the family found out they would be able to get on their flights.

The airport manager for Thomson told them they could fly if they had a police report about the theft.

Mrs Ward, 62, said it was a huge relief to get back to the UK.

"It was really terrifying because up until a little while before we were due to fly I didn't know if we were going to be back in the UK or still stranded in Spain," she said. "The whole experience was awful."

Mrs Ward said her daughter Vanessa, 31, from East Bridgford, and three-year-old grandson were also happy to be home.

The family were on a bus when a pickpocket targeted Mrs Ward.

Mr Ward wasn't able to send money to his wife because the credit cards were in joint names and his wife had no ID to show any banks in Spain.

He said he was relieved to have them all back home. "I was able to get them all and gather them up at the airport so that was just fantastic.

"My wife was really devastated when she realised all her things had been taken – the guy ruined the holiday for the whole family.

"I'm just pleased that they've managed to get back."

A Thomson spokesman said the company was sorry to hear of the family's misfortune.

He said they had advised the family to go to the British Consulate in Malaga to get emergency passports and had explained the process to them as well as offering to make them an appointment.

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503354/s/158c4af7/l/0L0Sthisisnottingham0O0Cnews0CTheft0Ehit0Efamily0Efly0Ehome0Carticle0E36139950Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

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