thisisplymouth.co.uk
The victim of an NHS blood blunder who has just been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer is fighting for compensation before he dies.
Ron Venton, 69, of Devonport, has just months to live after doctors discovered two tumours which affected about 80 per cent of his liver.
His consultant said the cancer was extremely likely to be a direct result of the hepatitis C Mr Venton contracted through infected blood in the 1980s.
An inquiry published in February recommended increased compensation, which has yet to be paid.
Mr Venton said: "Am I going to die before I get my money? I've battled on and I'll continue to battle on for as long as I can."
Mr Venton said his main concerns were for his 62-year-old wife Irena, who is disabled due to arthritis, and his son.
"Whatever the money is, it won't do me any good but I want it for them and I'm not going to go without a fight," said Mr Venton.
Mr Venton said the tumours couldn't be operated on because of his haemophilia, which meant his blood didn't clot.
Mr Venton believes he contracted hepatitis C from blood plasma treatment in 1988.
He has received a £20,000 payment, like all haemophiliacs affected.
In the 70s and 80s the NHS bought blood from US suppliers who used what became known as 'Skid Row' donors, such as prison inmates, who were more likely to have HIV and hepatitis C.
