Sponsored by
Alan's fight to end for cancer compensation
A GRANDDAD given just months to live has vowed to carry on his fight for compensation after being struck down with asbestos-related cancer.
Alan Clark was diagnosed with pleural plaques in 2000 and was left devastated earlier this year when doctors confirmed he had developed the asbestos cancer mesothelioma.
The dad of three was one of the last to successfully claim compensation for pleural plaques before the law was changed in 2007, leaving sufferers only able to qualify when diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Now the battling 59-year-old, from Ormesby Road, in Hartlepool, is throwing his weight behind a campaign to have the law changed to give fellow sufferers the right to compensation – and has vowed not to give up for the sake of his family.
Alan said: "I was diagnosed with pleural plaques. They are a lining on the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos, but the insurers don't recognise it.
Have you or a member of your family been affected by mesothelioma. Contact the Mail on (01429) 239380 or email mail.news@northeast-press.co.uk
"It is disgusting to think the law currently doesn't accept that pleural plaques are a real injury.
"When you get that, you know it will develop into full-blown mesothelioma. But you don't know when it will get you.
"I was 50 when they found it and for nine years I was like a timebomb ticking. Every time I had a chest infection or something minor, I was wondering 'is this it?'
"When I was diagnosed with pleural plaques I panicked. It felt like my death certificate had been signed.
"But I never expected to get cancer so quickly. I thought I had decades left.
"Sufferers should be compensated for the damage to their lungs and the worry of the death sentence hanging over them. They should receive that compensation quickly."
Alan, who worked as a thermal insulation engineer, is married to Stella and is dad to Sharon Wilson, 37, Kristina Hamilton, 35, and Elaine Clark, 34.
He added: "I don't know how long I've got, the doctors tell you six months.
"I lost my dad to mesothelioma 12 years ago. He'd worked in the industry too and he was 69 when he died.
"My whole future has been taken away from me, and I am determined to get this compensation for the sake of my family.
"One of my daughters is pregnant and I don't know if I'll be around to see the baby.
"I have a grandson aged three and a step-granddaughter aged seven, and I won't see them grow up. That increases my determination."
Alan is pursuing his claim with the support of the GMB union, and asbestos claims experts Thompsons Solicitors.
Ian McFall, from Thompsons Solicitors, said: "Mr Clark is proof of the dangers of asbestos and that pleural plaques are associated with an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.
"The worst outcome can and does happen to people with pleural plaques, as this case so tragically shows.
"Only the Government's long awaited announcement on pleural plaques can remedy this injustice."
Email to a friend
Print this page- VIDEO: 999 call police car ploughs into house
- Toon target set to seal ‘dream’ move
- TRANSFER RUMOURS - Thursday, May 24: Newcastle, Demba Ba, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City deny Tevez rumours, Man Utd, Porto
- TRANSFER RUMOURS - Friday, May 25: Man city, Man utd, Spurs, Arsenal,
- Arrests after trap driver injured
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Hartlepool
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: East
