A DISABLED mother who suffered a nightmare holiday has finally won £2,000 compensation after a two year battle with a package tour firm.

Julie Jeans, from Green-meadow, who suffers from chronic neurological problems, has now been given a full apology, a refund and a promise that her wrecked wheelchair will be paid for.

She was forced to describe details of her medical condition in front of check in staff, and was left with blood running down her legs because of cramped seating.

After a letter of apology, she said: "I'm delighted.

"After the humiliation and pain I went through, it's nice to finally close the matter.

"I wouldn't want anyone else to be treated in the way I was."

Mrs Jeans, 45, endured a holiday from hell after special travel arrangements needed because of her medical condition were ignored.

Airtours rejected expert advice which made clear that the mother of two needed to be carefully looked after during the four hour flight to Tunisia.

Mrs Jeans described the resulting trip in the summer of 2001 for which she had paid out thousands of pounds as agony.

After the holiday she wrote to the company asking for an apology and for compensation to pay for the damaged wheelchair.

But that only started a 22-month battle after the company refused to say sorry or hand over a penny.

At one stage the firm even said Mrs Jean's special needs could not be met because of increased security measures required after the September 11 attacks.

It took North Swindon MP Michael Wills, who fought on her behalf, to point out her holiday occurred before the disaster.

Mr Wills said that Airtours had treated her disgracefully throughout the affair.

He said: "I am delighted Airtours has finally recognised the way they treated Mrs Jeans is unacceptable and that they have compensated her in this way.

"I hope this will make them review the way they deal with disabled customers in future and will lead to a better service for all."

Pressure from the MP, who compiled a 108-page dossier on the firm's shabby treatment, eventually won through.

Last month the holiday firm said that it had carried out a thorough investigation and was happy Mrs Jeans had received as much leg room as needed.

But now Lynne Thomson, a senior customer service consultant at the company now reformed as My Travel said the firm was very sorry.

In a letter to Mrs Jeans, she wrote: "At the outset I would like to apologise that this matter has taken so long to resolve."

It continued: "We do take our responsibilities seriously and now I can only regret what has happened to you.

"I do hope, despite your feelings at this time, you will be able to continue to travel with us in future."