Dad marches for justice

2:10pm Saturday 30th August 2008

A FORMER roofer who is suffering from a terminal condition brought on by working with asbestos joined fellow sufferers in a protest march demanding compensation.

Father-of-three Alan Torkington, of Chorley Old Road, Bolton, was one of about 100 activists who marched in Blackburn, the constituency of Justice Secretary Jack Straw, to raise awareness of the plight of pleural plaque sufferers.

The former roofer and scaffolder, aged 54, was diagnosed with the condition 18 months ago.

But a change in the law now means pleural plaque should no longer be a compensational illness.

Mr Torkington said: “I am no longer able to work.

“The compensation is not for me, but to ensure my wife is cared for.

“I will continue to campaign and raise awareness of this issue, not just for me but for all those who have contracted this condition.

“Scotland is considering overturning the ruling and so should England.”