MUM-TO-BE Kelly Nicholls has had the cost of her holiday refunded after doctors told her she not to fly – and it’s thanks to the Echo.

Mrs Nicholls, 31, was five months pregnant when complications meant the family’s Turkish trip could not go ahead.

She feared her family would lose their holiday because travel firm Thomas Cook refused them a refund.

With just three weeks to go, doctors warned a low-lying placenta might cause her to haemorrhage if she flew to Antalya with husband Daniel, 31, and three-year-old daughter Ava on October 14.

While not expecting a full refund of the £933 cost, the family at least hoped Thomas Cook might give them vouchers towards the costs of a holiday next year, or let them give the tickets to a relative.

Initially the company suggested the tickets could be transferred – only to go back on this and then refuse to return calls or emails from the family.

Mr Nicholls had travel insurance through his bank, but learned this would cover only him, and not his wife and child.

That was when Mrs Nicholls contacted the Echo – and when we, in turn, called Thomas Cook the company changed its tune.

The travel firm has now offered the family a full refund, with vouchers they can use after the new baby is born.

A delighted Mrs Nicholls said: “It’s fantastic news. We thought we wouldn’t get a penny back.

“It was such a shame because we had been telling Ava about the holiday and she was so excited. “At least I’m grateful we found out before I got on the plane.

“I could have haemorhaged on the plane or been taken ill abroad, so at least we were spared that.

“It would have been a huge amount of money for us to lose, so I’m really grateful Thomas Cook changed its mind.”

A Thomas Cook spokesman has apologised to the family for any inconvenience.

He added: “Because of the short nature of the cancellation period, standard terms and conditions applied to the booking, and Thomas Cook understands while a travel insurance policy was taken out, it did not cover the booking in full. As a goodwill gesture, we have now offered Mrs Nicholls a holiday voucher in lieu of the holiday, which we are pleased to say she has accepted.

“Thomas Cook wishes to congratulate the Nicholls on the news of their forthcoming event and looks forward to assisting them in their family holiday arrangements in the future.”