Spalding mother and three children stranded in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa hit the island

A mother and her three children are desperate to come home after being stranded in devastated Jamaica.

Elizabeth Batterham, 45, from Spalding, took her 16, 14 and eight year old children on a dream trip to Montego Bay last Friday (October 24).

The family had just 24 hours before Hurricane Melissa devastated parts of the area on Saturday morning with winds of up to 185 miles per hour.

Her fiancée Jonathan Barnett, from West Pinchbeck, said: “Liz is beside herself - this was supposed to be a dream holiday and it has turned into a nightmare.

“They are on the sixth floor of the hotel and the second floor has been completely ripped out.

“All that is keeping the hotel up is the structure and they are running on a generator which means no toilets or showers.”

The trip, which Ms Batterham planned, was supposed to be a once in a lifetime experience.

Mr Barnett said: “She had booked this before we got together.

“She only ever takes the kids away during the half term holidays which is why it was planned for this week.

“They will miss school and there is nothing she can do.”

Ms Battrerham was due to fly back to the UK tomorrow (Friday, October 31) but is now locked down in the hotel room with her three children, who have additional needs.

Mr Barnett said: “Everything was fine when they arrived and they spent the afternoon and evening in the pool on Saturday.

“Then they locked down the hotel and they have not been able to go anywhere.

“She is worried and stressed and desperate to come home.”

Hurricane Melissa is Jamaica’s strongest ever storm and some have sadly lost their lives.

Mr Barnett said: “She wouldn't have taken the kids if she knew what was coming.

“They can't wash and have limited food packages given to them by the hotel staff.

“We have been in contact with WIFI every day but everybody is in the dark.”

The cost of the hotel at £400 per night is being covered for the family until they leave on a flight home.

Mr Barnett said: “Until Tui says they can travel it is just a waiting game.

“The airport is ripped to shreds at Montego Bay and the Kingston airport is not accessible,

“She was due back tomorrow but that is now uncertain.

“We wished we would have had the knowledge of the storm.

“The she would not have gone.

“Thousands of people are stuck and like Liz are desperate to get home.”