A former serviceman held captive in an Indian jail for four years has been enjoying his new-found freedom at one of the region’s most luxurious resorts.
Nick Dunn, one of the so-called Chennai Six imprisoned in 2013 on charges of smuggling weapons and ammunition, took some time out to relax and recuperate with a visit to County Durham’s Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa.
Mr Dunn and five other men who had been guards on a ship to combat piracy on the Indian Ocean, won an appeal to have their convictions overturned on 27 November last year, and he returned to his Ashington home in time for Christmas.
To get the New Year off to a positive start, the hotel invited him, along with his sister Lisa – who campaigned tirelessly for his release – to enjoy an overnight stay in one of its new Premier rooms.
The pair enjoyed dinner in the hotel’s Fusion restaurant along with full use of the spa facilities and a relaxing massage treatment.
“It’s been amazing, we’ve never been to Ramside before and what an incredible place,” said Lisa. “The rooms were stunning. We thought we’d be sharing a twin but they gave us one each and we felt so spoilt.
“When Nick came home he was naturally over the moon, but he was also shattered – we all were. Ramside offered us the chance to go along and spend some time just relaxing, and it was just what we needed.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind since he was released and this has been a very welcome break, giving us both a chance to have a little bit of down time. I could literally see the tension draining away from Nick over the course of the stay, and the staff were incredible.
“I can’t thank them enough for everything they did for us. Everything was perfect – the staff, the food, the spa…everything. We are so grateful to Ramside for the opportunity, it’s meant a lot.”
John Adamson, Director of Ramside Estates, had followed Nick’s story since his arrest.
“This has been such a long, painful process for Nick, Lisa and the whole family and the least we could do was offer them the chance to come and relax with us,” he said.
“They were absolutely exhausted following what has been a very hectic six weeks and needed somewhere to unwind.
“We invited them both along to give them a little bit of a treat and recharge their batteries, and hopefully they’ve managed to do just that. It has been a pleasure hosting them.”
Nick and Lisa’s visit was arranged in conjunction with Metro Radio, which has been covering Nick’s story since his arrest back in 2013.
For further information on spa breaks at Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa, visit the website: www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk