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Coronavirus Kent: Sheppey couple stranded in Australia

There are worse places to be stuck but all Pam and Roy Griffith want to do is get back to Britain from Down Under.

The couple from Minster on the Isle of Sheppey have been touring Australia since February and are due to fly back on Thursday.

Roy and Pam Griffith from Sheppey stranded Down Under in Australia because of the coronavirus epidemic
Roy and Pam Griffith from Sheppey stranded Down Under in Australia because of the coronavirus epidemic

But Pam admitted: "We have no idea when or how we're getting home.

"We had an email to say our flight from Singapore to Heathrow is cancelled but nothing about our flight from Australia to Singapore.

"We can't get through on the phone and they say they will reply to emails within seven days."

Her husband Roy said: "It looks like we may be in Australia a little longer than planned but at least we are warm."

The grandparents have visited Brisbane and Melbourne and have been basking in 33C temperatures.

Stranded: Roy and Pam Griffith from Sheppey stuck in Australia because of coronavirus
Stranded: Roy and Pam Griffith from Sheppey stuck in Australia because of coronavirus

Pam added: "I can't think of a better place to be stranded and I could quite easily stay here but I am missing our grandchildren."

Islanders Tony and Karen Crowder are now in self-isolation after returning from a nightmare holiday to the Caribbean where they were trapped on coronavirus cruise liner Braemar.

Ian Parkes, 52, and his wife Nicola are also back home on Sheppey after they were stuck at sea for eight days on cruise ship Discovery 2.

The couple from Minster Road, Minster, were hoping to tour Asia but had all their stops to Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore cancelled because of coronavirus fears.

But construction engineer Mr Parkes said: "The captain and crew went above and beyond what they had to do and kept us all informed throughout the voyage. They gave us free drinks and meals and West End-standard entertainment.

Tui Discovery 2
Tui Discovery 2

"To top it off, travel agent Tui has refunded our £6,470 cost in full. We enjoyed it so much we have rebooked for next year."

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