A VICTIM of a “bad blood” scandal which saw thousands of hospital patients treated with contaminated blood is taking his fight for justice to Parliament.

David Fielding was among some 4,500 haemophiliacs affected by the scandal in the 1970s and 1980s and needed a liver transplant after being given infected blood. Around 2,000 of those people have since died as a result of the bad blood.

They include Mr Fielding’s brother, Brian, who was infected with HIV in 1985 and died five years later, aged 46.

An inquiry into the scandal was held last year — but the Government has largely ignored its recommendations.

That has prompted a new fight for justice and next week Mr Fielding and scores of other sufferers will lobby MPs to try to force through a Bill to help those who received contaminated blood.

Mr Fielding, of Farnworth, said: “The Government didn’t take up the recommendations. It’s disgusting.

“This has ruined our lives. They have helped some victims but others are suffering and dying while the fight goes on. We need to make sure there is never another tragedy like this.

“I’ll fight until my last day for justice for those who have died, the ongoing victims and future haemophiliacs.”

Mr Fielding, aged 53, will be joined by Bolton South East MP Brian Iddon when he seeks support for the Bill at the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday.

Lord Morris’ Contaminated Blood Bill is due before the House of Commons next Friday, calling for measures including compensation for victims and a committee to advise on haemophilia.

They were among the recommendations suggested by Lord Archer in his inquiry last year. But ministers only promised to increase payments to individuals with HIV, provide extra funding for the Haemophilia Society and review financial help for people with hepatitis C in five years time.

Dr Iddon said: “I’m part of the fight and always have been and this will continue.”

cherry.thomas@theboltonnews.co.uk