Christines Blog (Archive Blogs 7)
Wednesday 28t h January 2009
I have just been informed by his family that another victim of vCJD has died aged just 30 years old. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
It has also been brought to my attention that 30 year old Ben Gummer is the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Ipswich and has the backing of Kenneth Clarke and of course his father John Gummer.
Whilst yet another innocent family weep for the avoidable loss of their loved one through vCJD, Kenneth Clarke and John Gummer continue to manipulate and use their political experience for the benefit of their political careers and their families. When they should be publicly and legally accountable for the manslaughter of hundreds and the disablement of thousands through vCJD.
Monday 26t h January 2009
Imperial Research Published by the Royal Society (oct 2002)
'1.9 million cows were infected with BSE and 1.6 million of those lethal toxic cows entered the human food chain'
Sunday 25t h January 2009
Another victim of vCJD died last week, I send my love and thoughts to this young mans family and friends. May your god bless you all......
Thursday 22nd January 2009
One of the key characters in the BSE scandal who famously said he ' WAS TOO BUSY
PDFmyURL.com RESTRUCTURING THE NHS' to stop BSE infected material going into the human food chain has been brought back into the shadow cabinet by David Cameron. Kenneth Clarke takes the job of Shadow Business Secretary and will no doubt play a big part in Cameron’s pitch to become the next Prime Minister in the next general election.
Kenneth Clarke was Health Secretary in 1988 he like all the others named and shamed on this website have seen their careers and fiscal rewards flourish, whilst my son and hundreds of other victims of vCJD have had their lives destroyed and futures stolen. I am appalled that once again the guilty are rewarded, the carefully acquired 'laid back blokish' demeanour Kenneth Clarke has adopted over the years hides a ruthless and astute politician with wide experience of 'ducking and diving his way out of trouble’.
Kenneth Clarke like all those named and shamed on this website have remarkable sloped shoulders in which the lies and cover ups they actively engaged in during the BSE scandal seem to have left them and their careers untouched. Clarke like many involved in the BSE scandal looked the other way allowing the Tory party, meat, agriculture and pharmaceutical industries to continue to put lethal BSE material into foods and medicines, which has resulted in ‘one in a thousand of the UK population probably carrying vCJD’ Professor Collinge UCL June 2008.
David Cameron has a disabled child and hopes to become the next Prime Minister I would have hoped with his experience of having a child so ill, he would have appointed a Shadow Business Secretary that would echo the transparency, honesty and integrity he has cited are the core values of the 21st century Conservative party. I urge him to re think this appointment of the 68 year old Kenneth Clarke one of the men who holds the smoking gun that killed my son …and countless others……
Monday 19t h January 2009
The denials continue Dawn Primarolo Health Secretary on Jan 13th states that the Edinburgh CJD unit have not confirmed a case of vCJD either probable or definite amongst the MV genotype. This continues the secrecy and cover ups that surround vCJD. I am in constant communication with this family and spent many hours sitting, eating and talking to the latest victim of vCJD from the MV group their parents and extended family; The parents of the latest victim were given a confirmed clinical diagnosis in September by the Edinburgh CJD unit that their loved one had vCJD and was the first person in the world to be diagnosed with vCJD from the MV genotype. Professor Pennington from SEAC appeared on Newsnight on 17th December 2008 alongside myself confirming this case. My petition to Gordon Brown also voices my many concerns around the diagnosis of the latest victim heralding a 'SECOND WAVE OF VCJD VICTIMS'
The parents of the latest victim from the MV genotype are distraught and wanting to spend the last weeks and months with their beloved child asked me to be their spokesperson and I will continue to fight for their rights and for all victims of vCJD.....: I will not be silenced and will continue to expose those responsible for so many innocent deaths past. present and for those unfortunately to come in the future......
Creut zf eldt - Jakob Disease
Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what reports he has received of the prevalence of new variant CJD in the population carrying the MV gene; and what steps he is taking in response to such reports. [246359] Dawn Primarolo: There have been a total of 167 cases of clinical vCJD in the United Kingdom. All of these patients have been of MM genotype. There has been
PDFmyURL.com one reported case of sub- clinical vCJD in a person of MV genotype, who died of an unrelated cause without having developed clinical symptoms of vCJD. 12 Jan 2009 : Column 137WIn December 2008, BBC Newsnight reported a case of CJD in a patient of MV genotype. As part of a well established system, all known suspect cases of CJD are reviewed and followed up by the National CJD Surveillance Unit in Edinburgh and the National Prion Unit in London. To date, the National CJD Surveillance Unit has not identified a definite or probable case of vCJD in a non- MM genotype individual.
The measures that have been put in place to minimise the risk of person to person transmission of vCJD are appropriate for the whole population, irrespective of the genotype of the patient.
Wednesday 14 t h January 2009
Below are some extracts from an article written by Joe Oliver for the Belfast Telegraph. If you click on the link below you can read the full report. http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday- life/mum- wants- justice- after- cjd- cover- up- 14136640.html
Christine told Sunday Life 'The cover up has gone on too long - its time we had justice. My beautiful, gentle boy was reduced to a shell. He had a terrible distressing death. He was blind, quadriplegic and unable to recognise or remember anything or anyone. If government and senior officials had not ignored evidence withheld crucial information, then all victims of vCJD including my son would still be alive.'
'Those in the Conservative government at the time and their advisors knew at the earliest stages that BSE had severe implications for human life.’
'They held the smoking gun that killed my son and many others. I want them publicly and legally accountable.’
Friday 9t h January 2009
CHRISTINES NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO:
Margaret Thatcher, John Major, Ray Bradley, John Gummer, Stephen Dorrell, Colin Maclean, William Rees, Donald Acheson, John McGregor, Keith Meldrum, Kenneth Clarke, Kenneth Calman, Douglas Hogg, Richard Packer, Elizabeth Attridge, Dr Jeremy Matters, Richard Carden, Alan Lawrence, Robert Lowson, Gerald Wells, Sir Derek Andres, Dr Alisa Wright, Angela Browning, Thomas Eddy, M H Baker, Dr Bernard Williams, Dr Robert Kendall, Dri Richard Kimberlin, Ron Jacobs, Dr Gerald Jones, Dr Hilary Pickles.
MY LOST BOY
When you sit with your children and grandchildren on Sundays and celebrations, watching them laugh, talk and grow do you ever stop to think about your deliberate decisions that led to so many avoidable deaths?
When carving the roast, a table full of family and friends do ever think about the victims? The youngsters that were unable to hold a knife and fork eat smile or recognise because you allowed BSE unchecked into the human food chain?
PDFmyURL.com ‘BRITISH BEEF IS SAFE’ was the mantra you as Ministers and government officials declared through the 1980s and 1990s. Whilst my son an innocent sat down to his MRM encrusted school dinners, stood bravely to receive his bovine rich immunisations as the pathogen that would kill him entered his little frame.
On September 2nd 1983 I proudly held my first born, a healthy 8lb boy bawling at the brand new world and all its possibilities. Within a year I was a single mum struggling but with one purpose to love and keep him safe. For seven years it was Andrew and me, walks in the park, picnics by the sea a chubby hand holding mine. With a childs certainty that whatever life would bring, mum would care protect and defend. I can see us kicking autumn leaves, jumping into puddles, I felt and smelt life with the brand new eyes of my only son.
I remember a soft faced kiss from Andrew as he left for school returning with a painted footprint encased on a calendar dated 1987. Then every night on TV footage of mad cows staggering, falling all over the place staring wide eyed out of the screen. Media frenzy, newspaper headlines a fearful British public.
Andrew and I hardly ate beef only home cooked food, mostly vegetables a very fussy eater he hated any sort of fat. From the first reports of BSE, no beef products were ever prepared or eaten in my home again.
1988 Andrew starts school dinners, what can be wrong with pizza, veggies dishes? I didn’t know …all were toxic and bulked out with MRM (mechanically recovered meat, the most toxic part of a BSE cow. Spinal cord, brains, cheeks were washed off the carcass forming a pink paste this was used in institutional and baby food during the 1980s and 1990s MRM was not banned until 1996).
For over ten years you Ministers and government officials held the lie ‘BRITISH BEEF IS SAFE’, selective research and selective information fed to an unsuspecting British public. You knew that BSE was lethal to human health yet you smugly put your careers and economic policy before every member of the UK populations health.
As the BSE scandal grew I thought that Andrew was safe, pushing my trolley around the supermarket beef prices plummeting I opted for turkey or mostly vegetables …so no worry there.
I thought I had protected my beautiful boy who was so funny in his nativity play, who was so quick and curious about the world, I took him to the theatre, cinema he absorbed new experiences like a sponge……
1990 Andrew has a sister Emma an impatient minx who wraps him round her little finger. He becomes her guardian her protector ‘ Mum Emma needs a drink Mum 'Emma wants to leave’ and ‘I will always take care of my little sister’ I rename us the three musketeers our little family of three.
I study harder, write more furiously, work so hard but always time for my little family of three. At night as they sleep I worry about the bills , the future, Christmas, but always knowing that whatever life throws at me, it doesn’t matter my kids are ok and will have long and wonderful lives.
Andrew at 10 running through the school gates with the wind beneath his trainers, in a rush full of energy. Emma a little busy body looking upwards to her older brother like the god he is to her.
At fourteen Andrew starts work experience in London with TalkRadio, by 17 he is producing live programming during 9/11. His colleagues call him ‘legend of the desk’. My son… my hero ….my future……
One million cows are infected with BSE , cows culled, incinerated steaming piles of carcasses disintegrate across the countryside PDFmyURL.com The usual arguments between brother and sister sibling rivalry but underneath always love. The three of us travel cheaply together abroad my growing children experiencing new people and cultures.
Andrew at 21 had forged an exciting career and his potential assured was working in Birmingham, Manchester and his favourite city London. My Andrew presenting a pilot TV programme, researching, producing always a new project or script. I am as proud as only a mum can be!
At 23 he becomes quiet, arguments vicious between him and the sister he loves. I watch helplessly as Andrew becomes introverted distant, a stumble here a missed word there, weight falling from his once muscular frame.
Within weeks depression? ‘Mum I’m not depressed what’s wrong with me?’ A succession of GPs, Counsellors, Consultants. All tests normal, I insist on a Neurologist.
June 2007 ... the diagnosis vCJD, a death sentence 6 months max .By December my talented bright eyed boy became quadriplegic, blind, deaf, unable to recognise me, his brain like a sponge he dies. Andrew died because you Mr Minister and officials you lied and covered- up the truth putting your careers and profit before my beloved sons life and future...
Every New Year, Christmas, Easter and celebration when you sit, laugh and enjoy your complete family in a comfortable home with a career forged on immoral deliberate decisions and lies do you ever have a moments doubt or fear?
Do you ever think of Andrew and the nearly 200 other victims of vCJD when you raise your glass at another birthday or Christmas. Do you ever regret your political and economic fuelled decisions that led to my Andrews death?
Every Christmas, birthday, mothers day and Easter I will walk alone to my 24 year old sons grave, weep broken hearted as I place flowers on the spot where his body lies ……..
Thursday 8t h January 2009
Many of you who log onto the blog and website regularly will know I continue to investigate what my Andrew ingested or consumed which led him to die of vCJD.
I do believe that my Andrew and all victims of vCJD ingested a toxic dose of the lethal pathogen which resulted in their dying of vCJD. Below is a piece from Janie Axelrad 'BSE a disaster of biblical proportions or a disaster of British Science? in which she examines the role that vaccines may play in the development of vCJD. Two victims from Eastleigh Southampton just 20 miles from our home in Southsea died of vCJD after receiving oral polio doses at the same clinic, from the same batch. Both these young men died within months of each other. Bovine material from BSE infected herds were used to produced millions of doses of vaccines which were used to inoculate our infants and children throughout the 1980s and1990s.
'Vaccines as causat ion of nvCJD’
PDFmyURL.com The occurrence of CJD in recipients of growth hormone injections made headlines, and led to a change to using man- made hormones rather than extracts from animals. Unfortunately growth hormone was not the only treatment causing CJD. Women given some types of fertility treatment were also dying of CJD, especially in Australasia. Given the similarity of these disasters to the original problems with Pasteur's rabies vaccine (23), the potential contamination of other vaccines should have been investigated immediately, especially in the area of vaccination of children. It is possible that one or two contaminated batches of childhood vaccines have caused the nvCJD clusters. The total acceptance by the Government scientific advisors of the link between BSE and CJD may have averted all eyes from what is actually a more logical and proven method of spreading this type of disease.
Those following the BSE Inquiry will have been disturbed at evidence emerging about the use of potentially contaminated vaccines that were not withdrawn from use. Although the effects of human growth hormone derived from cadavers was well known, potentially contaminated cattle material was used in the production of vaccines throughout the peak years of the BSE crisis. When concerns were raised over this practise, nothing was done to prevent their use, for fear of causing a disaster by mass refusal to inoculate.
Although these vaccines were considered to be of 'moderate risk' (65) as opposed to the minimal risk associate with consumption of infected beef, it was the 'infective beef' connection that was pushed into the spotlight. Thousands of potentially contaminated vials of vaccine remained on shelves, to be used until these sources were exhausted. The action protected the pharmaceutical companies from panic and lost profits, and ensured that the public was not aware of the risks they took when immunising their children.'
Friday 2nd January 2009
'IN THE MIDST OF WINTER, I FINALLY LEARNED THAT THERE WAS IN ME AN INVINCIBLE SUMMER' Albert Camus.
I have found through these darkest of days that my 'INVINCIBLE SUMMER' are my children Andrew and Emma. They give me the strength, tenacity and power to see the campaign for justice reach its destination. My handsome son and beautiful daughter enable me to remain focused, clear and determined. They help me through my tears and sadness to grab hold of joyful memories and happy times. My love for my children is infinite and steadfast.
Below are two photos one taken of me and Andrew in Central Park New York Christmas 2003 and the other one taken at Emma’s University halls Christmas 2008. With such wonderful and talented children how could I not have an 'INVINCIBLE SUMMER within me'.
Thursday 1st January 2009
Below is the link to youtube to view the MBC Korean documentary about vCJD and Andrew, its called 'my lost boy'. http://uk.youtube.com/profile?user=JusticeForAndy2008&view=videos
PDFmyURL.com Wednesday 24 t h December 2008
Below is the list of culprits whose deliberate measured decisions, lies and cover- ups over many years during the 1980s and 1990s led to my son Andrews horrific but avoidable death due to vCJD.
My son Andrews life was taken his future wrecked because of these men and women’s greed and their total disregard for the lives and well- being of the British public. When they declared 'British beef is safe' they were lying, the men and women named and shamed below put their careers, livelihoods, political and economic policy before my beloved boys life and future. They also endangered every member of the British public over the age of 11.
When they sit down with their complete families this Christmas do they ever think about the young men and women who were unable to walk, talk or even feed themselves due to their immoral acts and decisions? The young men and women who would have their lives taken from them horrifically and cruelly due to the avoidable and preventable vCJD. The leathal vCJD has not gone away and will continue to kill for decades this is the deadly legacy that the culprits have left the UK population.
My son paid the ultimate price of those cover- ups and lies, fifty to sixty years of life and love with his family....these men and women below should at the very least loose their reputations, status and their freedom.
LIST OF CULPRITS
John Major Margaret Thatcher John Gummer Ray Bradley William Rees Donald Acheson John Macgregor Keith Meldrum Kenneth Clarke Kenneth Calman Douglas Hogg Stephen Dorrell Richard Packer Elizabeth Attridge Dr Jeremy Matters Richard Carden Alan Lawrence Roberts Lowson Gerald Wells Sir Derek Andrews Dr Alisa Wight Angela Browning Thomas Eddy M H Baker Dr Bernard Williams Dr Robert Kendall Dr Richard Kimberlin PDFmyURL.com Ron Jacobs Dr Gerald Jones Dr Hilary Pickles
Tuesday 23rd December 2008
Below is the Newsnight link to my appearance on the BBC 2 programme on 17th December. During the broadcast Newsnight revealed that 'THE FIRST VICTIM OF vCJD FROM ANOTHER GENOTYPE, MV HAS BEEN CLINICALLY DIAGNOSED'. This story was only broadcast after much heated discussion behind the scenes. Right up till a few hours before broadcast, Government experts and scientists were denying the existence of this latest young victim struggling with vCJD who also happens to be the first victim from the most common genotype in the UK MV. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/7789903.stm
I have met the family of this latest victim and spent many hours in their company and talking to the young person concerned. The family were left in no doubt of the diagnosis and wanted me to be their spokesperson, they like all families of victims feel angry and want to know who is responsible. Top experts were denying this case until I threatened to break the story outside number Ten Downing street on 18th December during the delivery of my petition to Gordon Brown. SEAC therefore had to make a statement via Professor Higgins during Newsnight. Government experts were also asked to appear on Newsnight to give their account but were not available to face the camera except Professor Higgins and Professor Pennington.
The latest victim of vCJD from the most common genotype heralds further deaths at least another 300 plus and there could be many more. One death through vCJD is one too many especially as vCJD is an acquired and preventable disease. None of these victims past, present or unfortunately those to come in the future need have died.
Those immoral men and women named and shamed on this website will have hundreds more victims to add to the list of the people they have already killed through their lies, cover- up and greed.
Its time for public responsibility and legal accountability.....
Monday 22nd December 2008
The BBC1 documentary I helped to produce and film about Andrews last days and my fight for justice is now on youtube, also an edited version of my statement outside number ten downing street 18th December 2008 is also on youtube (use the link below): http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=J_Fwprjgek4
Thursday 18t h December 2008 (addit ional blog)
Here are two photos taken at Number Ten Downing Street as I hand in the petition to Gordon Brown. Supporting the campaign for 'justice for andy' is PDFmyURL.com Portsmouth MP Liberal Democrat Mike Hancock.
Below is a video link with an edited statement I gave to the awaiting press: http://www.metro.co.uk/video/videoPlayer.html?inMediaId=26777&in_page_id=34
Thursday 18t h December 2008
A year since my Andrew died ......
Here is the press release that was published last week across the media regarding my trip to Number Ten Downing Street on 18th December at 12 lunchtime to coincide with the first anniversary of Andrews death. I have asked the Prime Minister to release documents for public scrutiny which will compliment and support the evidence I have already gathered.
PRESS RELEASE (photos Andrew/Christine holiday New York/Andrew two days before death)
Grieving mum calls for action on vCJD
Christine Lord will be petitioning the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street today (Dec 18th 2008) on the anniversary of her son's death from Variant CJD. Andy Black was 24 when he died in December 2007, six months after being diagnosed with the human form of BSE. Her research since then has raised serious questions about the Conservative government's handling of the BSE crisis, and has highlighted the need for action to prevent further deaths from infected blood donors. Christine will be asking the Prime Minister if we are seeing the beginning of a new wave of vCJD with the first confirmed victim of the more common genotype and another estimated 300 plus deaths. Christine will read the following statement at Downing Street, after handing in a letter petitioning the Prime Minister's support. The statement and letter follow below.
STATEMENT OUTSIDE NUMBER 10 Downing St reet . 18th December 2008 12:00
Ms Christine Lord from Southsea, with Portsmouth South MP Mike Hancock.
"I want justice for my son Andrew. To do that I need answers and I've asked the Prime Minister for his help in getting them
"Why were civil servants at MAFF allowed to rehearse witnesses before they appeared at the Phillips Inquiry, and why did officials with- hold documents which showed the Conservative government knew about the danger BSE posed to human health?
PDFmyURL.com I want to know why a leading government agency stopped feeding British beef to our top scientists at a time when Conservative ministers were telling us there was no danger?
"Why was the national bank for human spinal fluid raided? Why were the samples confiscated, and why were laboratory staff threatened with prosecution under the Official Secrets Act if they spoke out?
"Are we seeing the beginning of a new wave of vCJD cases after the first confirmed victim of the more common genotype and another estimated 300 deaths."
"I've also asked the Prime Minister to help stem a secondary, self- sustaining epidemic, which is being caused by infected blood by supporting tests for blood donors. I've also asked him to support research which will show just how many members of the general public are carrying vCJD without knowing it. Official estimates are 1 in every 1,000 people, but it could be much higher. vCJD hasn't gone away. Young people are still dying of this avoidable and acquired disease. vCJD will continue to kill people for decades. My son needn’t have died.
A year ago it was my son Andrew, next year it could be you, or your son or daughter."
The dead cannot cry out for justice – it is the duty of then living to do so for them.
PETITION
Dear Mr. Brown,
I wrote to you about the life and death of only son Andrew Black who died of Variant CJD aged 24. He died almost exactly a year ago (December 16th 2007) I was very moved by your response to my letter, written as one bereaved parent to another, as well as in your capacity as Prime Minister. I would like to take this opportunity to ask for further support.
1) A senior official working inside MAFF throughout the BSE scandal has revealed, in recorded interviews, that significant evidence was with- held from the Phillips Inquiry. This includes documents and memos, which were circulating within MAFF and between government departments, which warned of the danger BSE posed to human health, at a time when Conservative ministers were assuring the public the British beef was safe to eat. Would the Prime Minister support the publication of these documents?
2) Officials and scientists have expressed grave concern to me about the Phillips Inquiry itself, saying that testimony was vetted, witnesses were rehearsed and that the process 'stage- managed' in order to exonerate the Conservative government's handling of the BSE crisis, and their failure to protect public health. Does the Prime Minister share these concerns, and would he advise his own ministers not to allow the existence of the Phillips Report to stifle future research, investigation and debate into the issue, especially as young people continue to die of vCJD
3) I'd like you to find out why the National Environmental Research Council stopped feeding British beef (and beef products) to the country's top scientists at a time when the Conservative government was telling the general public that it posed no risk to human health. British beef was removed from NERC research vessels in the 1980s, while MRM from BSE- infected cattle was being used to bulk up school dinners.
4) Will the Prime Minister find out why the national bank of human spinal fluid was seized from its UK laboratory and forwarded to the Central Veterinary Laboratory? Will he also find out why the lab staff were forced to sign the Official Secrets Act before being threatened with prosecution if they spoke about the raid?
PDFmyURL.com 5) Are we seeing the beginning of a new wave of vCJD with at least another estimated 300 deaths now there has been a confirmed victim of vCJD from the most common genotype in the UK?
6) On October 21st 2008 the independent watchdog SABTO (Safety of Blood Tissue and Organs) warned of the significant risk posed to the public by a self- sustaining secondary epidemic of vCJD through blood transfusion. It said the key to determining the scale of the problem was to identify how many members of the public are carrying vCJD without knowing it. It also said the vCJD testing programmes under development may be 99 per cent effective.
Will the Prime Minister support the screening of people for vCJD before they donate blood or tissue? 18 blood donors have already died of vCJD after giving blood, and we have no way of knowing how many active blood donors are carrying vCJD now.
Will the Prime Minister support wider testing to determine the prevalence of vCJD to find out how many people in the UK are carrying the infection without knowing it? Professor John Collinge at the Prion Unit at University College London estimates this to be 1 in every 1,000.
At present family members of those who died of vCJD are refused the right to be tested to see if they are also carrying the infection. Would the Prime Minister explain the reason behind this policy, and support their right to be tested if they wish?
Yours sincerely,
Christine Lord
Tuesday 16t h December 2008 On this day last year 16th December 2007 I held my Andrew as he took his last breath... just 24 years old...... he died at 9:25pm..... I cuddled him close as my beloved boy took his last gasp ...... his life and future stolen by the preventable UK man made manufactured disease ...... vCJD......
Sat urday 13t h December 2008
This time last year my beloved Andrew had become blind, deaf, quadriplegic, unable talk or recognise his family. He was no longer able to swallow so had not eaten for 15 days.....
My beautiful boys heart was young and strong and refused to give in...... I held his frail body as his frame shook the bed with the effort of him trying to suck air into his collapsing lungs.....
Andrews rattling, dying breathes filled every corner of what was once my bedroom...... my 24 year old only son took four days and night to die....
PDFmyURL.com This is the reality...... this is what its like when a young person dies of vCJD......
Monday 8t h December 2008
Check out the link below a report from S Sloggem to Dr J Purves this document was from the Medicines Control Agency- Biological Division (sent November 3rd 1995) regarding CJD plasma derived blood products.
The document highlights the large stock of prepared and processed vaccines already in production, produced and being stored or used in clinics, hospitals and other institutions, and their potential risk of being contaminated with vCJD.
The report states 'the recall of vaccines may not only affect unused bulks which could represent many thousands or millions of doses' going on to say that if a recall took place it: 'clearly would be a major news item'.
This report looks at the potential hazards that blood donors who go on to die of vCJD pose to blood and plasma products and also the difficulty that the MCA would face if they tried to recall or stop suspected contaminated vaccines still being used. It states ''MCA may not in practice be able to stop the plasma compounds or vaccine manufacturers from withdrawing the affected products“.
In other words vaccines that may be lethal with infectious vCJD ...would not be able to be recalled...... were these the same vaccines ..that my son had during his growing years? http://www.bseinquiry.gov.uk/files/yb/1995/11/03019001.pdf
Thursday 4 t h December 2008
Here is a photo of Ryan who held the photo of Andrew during a walk organised by the CJD Foundation in the USA. The walk took place through the beautiful countryside around Fairmont and Ryan released a balloon in my sons memory. As I look at the handsome Ryan holding the photo of Andrew I cant believe I will never hold my son in my arms again...... as it approaches the first anniversary of Andrews death my heart remains forever broken.
Tuesday 2nd December 2008
Here is the photo taken of me with members of the Korean parliament during my recent trip to South Korea. From the left is MP Young- jin Kim of the Democratic party who said to me 'People across the globe should be able to listen to your testimony. We will support you with our other MPs by petitioning the Secretary General of the UN South Korean
PDFmyURL.com Ban Ki- Moon asking him to invite you to speak to the UN and tell them you and Andrews story'
Next to me in traditional dress is a very well known figure in Korean politics MP Ki- kap Kang from the Democratic Labour Party, he also represents farmers across Korea. Ki- kap Kang said to me 'I offer my sincere condolences for the loss of your only son Andrew'. During our hour long talk I presented the assembled MP’s, the BBC1 documentary of Andrew and the evidence I have gathered regarding the lies and cover- ups that led to Andrews avoidable death.
This is part of the statement I presented to members of the Korean Assembly. 'VCJD has not gone away and is a global issue. As we go into 2009 every family across the world should be able to make informed choices about the food they eat. Economic Policy should never risk human health. BSE was and is a UK man made manufactured disease brought about by the greed, lies and secrecy of the UK government during the 1980s and 1990s. Andrews death and VCJD was totally preventable but the UK beef industry profits were paramount, my only son paid the ultimate price at least fifty years of life and love with his family'.
Also in the photo to the far right is MP Jung- sook Kwak of the Democratic Labour Party. All of these MP’s are involved with the Korean agriculture and fishing industry.
Monday 1st December 2008
On Saturday 22nd November I began my first talks and lectures here in the UK. I like to thank all the people who attended particularly the parents of Richard, Kate and Mark who lost their sons and daughter through vCJD. For me it was heartbreaking to hear their stories about their Childs death due to vCJD it also highlighted to the assembled audience the fact that vCJD is an ongoing threat to all our lives and still kills young people on a regular basis and will unfortunately continue to do so for many decades. My next talk will take place at Andrews old sixth form college, South Downs College in Purbrook as part of their cross debating society. It will be difficult talking to young men and women who so remind me of my son and the future that was taken from him so cruelly. However young people across the globe have been a wonderful support and inspiration regarding the campaign. I know that Andrew would have been amazed that so many of his peers care and are proactive in helping the campaign and my continued fight for justice. So thanks to all the young people who regularly log on, offer support, advice and information and even have a chat I have found during these dark days that here are an awful lot of good people in the world! Here is the last ever photo taken of Andrew standing on the beach in Southsea early spring 2007, he looks so thin ......
Sunday 30t h November 2008
Below is an extract from a lovely note I received from Miso...during my visit to Korea.
Dear Christine,
Thank you for coming to Korea and being together with us. I really impressed by you and learned many things from you. When you feel sad and sorrow please remind PDFmyURL.com yourself of your friends who are supporting you and fighting for justice. I will also fight for Andy and fight for our better society. Ill pray god always bless you and your family...bye Miso
My trips across the world such as Korea and throughout the UK since I started the campaign has shown me again and again, the kindness and concern of ordinary people, It has also shown me what I already knew that as one global family all that really matters is the health, safety and love of our families and friends. The photo alongside this blog was taken outside an organic bakery in Seoul, where the staff recognised me from the MBC documentary, they called me 'fightin mom'.
Sat urday 29t h November 2008 (addit ional blog)
Below is a link to youtube in which Minister of Agriculture John Gummer is apparently seen feeding his daughter Cordelia a burger at the height of the BSE scandal. If you look closely you can see Cordelia does not eat the burger, also John Gummer was well aware that the burger he offered his daughter was safe.
I have confronted John Gummer once at his constituency offices in Woodbridge Suffolk and in a 35 minute interview for BBC1 at his luxurious offices in central London. His manner was disrespectful, condescending and also contained an arrogance that he had 'got away with it'.
He warned me to be 'careful what I said about him' .....and the word 'libel' was mentioned. I would welcome my day in court with Gummer and all those named and shamed on this website.
After our confrontations, I wept as Andrews mum not only for the avoidable loss of my sons life but that Gummer and his cronies cared so little about such a wonderful young man....and also felt safe enough to be so arrogant about my sons immeasurable and avoidable loss. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QobuvWX_Grc
Sat urday 29t h November 2008
Below is a memo sent by MAFF the Ministry of Agriculture to LACA (local authority catering organisation) who were in charge of all staff in every school kitchen in the UK.
This memo was written one month after Stephen Dorrells declaration in the House of Commons of the connection between young people dying of vCJD and BSE infected beef PDFmyURL.com products (March 1996). Even a month after Dorrells statement MAFF and the Conservative Government were still spinning their web of lies and cover- ups. The government were still trying to pull the wool over the eyes of British public, still putting the beef industry before our infants and children lives and futures.
Friday 28t h November 2008
The role that vaccines play in the
PDFmyURL.com development of vCJD is one that most scientists I have talked to are very reluctant to venture an opinion in front of the camera.
However off camera and privately some believe that vCJD in young people could be sourced back to their childhood and infant vaccines. One distinguished Microbiologist and world expert said to me ' it has been proved that vCJD can be transmitted by blood so its highly likely that some of the young victims of vCJD may well have acquired their infection via childhood vaccines'.
Below are the vaccines that used bovine material from cattle herds whose BSE status is unknown. Many cows were asymptomatic (no symptoms at slaughter and examination) However as I know from bitter experience my son Andrew was symptom free for many years. until the infection entered his brain.
Below are the immunisations which were produced from cattle during the BSE epidemic. As you can see huge supplies of vaccines were made with many years shelf life. Many of these dangerous vaccines were left in clinics, hospital department cupboards, and GP surgeries to be used if and when needed....
It is known that many of the immunisations below were given to millions of children during the height of BSE infectivity. Including my son Andrew......
* Rubella, the bulk of this vaccine was made before 1979 from foetal calf serum from UK and New Zealand ( 15 years supply of stock) This vaccine would have been used for many years after 1979 at baby clinics and schools in the UK. with a shelf life until 1994.
* Diphtheria UK bovine beef muscle and ox heart was used until 1988, then the cattle was sourced from Eire.
* Tetanus bovine material from UK mainly Scottish herds. (21,000 litres of stock).
* Pertussis used bovine material from UK ( at times over 63,000 litres of stock hoarded).
* Measles vaccine used bovine serum sourced from the UK.
The companies who made these vaccines told the UK government that to switch to a non bovine source would take a minimum of five years, as batches of vaccines lasting many years were already supplied to hospitals, schools and clinics. So once again finances dictated the safety of the UK’s children’s lives and futures.....my son and other victims of vCJD have paid the ultimate price of those shareholders profits and the governments greed. Oral polio contained foetal calf serum from UK and New Zealand herds (up till 1988) (large stocks held).
As late as 2000 the safety of children’s vaccines were still under the microscope.
The Independent (09/10/00) 'a polio vaccine that has been given to millions of children and adults was withdrawn by the Government amid fears it could be contaminated by mad cows disease. Guidelines in 1989 banned the use of bovine material in medicinal products but despite repeat reassurance from Medeva the maker the Department of Health found it was in breach of the guidelines'
PDFmyURL.com Thursday 27t h November 2008
Below is just one of the thousands of emails I have received and continue to receive every day. Letters, texts, phone calls, emails of support and even people approaching me in the street in the UK and abroad have all been positive and supportive...thank you all so much ....with people power I know I will get justice for Andy. With this blog is another newspaper account of my fight for the truth and my relentless pursuit of the guilty.
Dear Christine,
I have been reading your site. I have always been aware of some sort of cover up but my eyes are truly opened now. I am 24 and I have been living in Hampshire, but I am Scottish, ironically my mum is also called Christine, and my best friend is called Andrew too. I am a medical person and this is why I’ve moved down here. Just reading the story about your son saddens me deeply, I’m angered that so many people in absolute power failed to do their duty. I have nothing really else to say, except you have the support of millions in your campaign.
God bless, Steve
Sunday 23rd November 2008
Here is the link to the SaBTO 1st Public meeting summary - 21st October 2008 http://www.advisorybodies.doh.gov.uk/acsbto/SaBTOPublicMeeting2008- Summary.pdf
Included in the minutes of the meeting was my statement about Andrew, see below:
Ms Christine Lord is the mother of Andrew Black who died of vCJD in 2007 aged 24,, she made the following points:
1. Those making the decisions around the management of vCJD should be supervised by independent sources that are not government funded or backed.
2. The terrible risk and legacy of vCJD that the UK population now face should lay clearly at the door of those who Ms Lord considers responsible for her sons death. Ms Lord believes that is those Ministers and Officials in the 1980s and 1990s had not put profit before lives vCJD would have never existed and SaBTO would not be faced with the terrible dilemmas it now has to wrestle with.
PDFmyURL.com 3. Testing (of blood) should be made available as soon as it is developed. Ms Lord believes that it may not be in the Governments bet interest to make such a test available. The doubts about prevalence mean that the likely number of positives is not known, ministers may be reluctant to allow the wider public to be made aware of the true prevalence of vCJD in the population, particularly if the situation was worse than is currently forecast.
4. Testing for vCJD should be a personal choice allowing people to live their lives accordingly. Ms Lord believes that officials in the 1980s and 1990s played god with the UK populations lives resulting in vCJD and too many innocent people dying needlessly and she is mindful that government very well be playing god again by refusing the UK population to test or not.
5. As a mother who has lost here son to vCJD Ms Lord would take a test tomorrow and would like the opportunity to do this in the near future.
6. The devastation vCJD has wrecked on families, careers and futures and relationships cannot be described in mere words. As a bereaved mother, a qualified journalist and psychological counsellor, Ms Lord is acutely aware of the huge impact and life scarring event that nursing a child through the most horrific disease has had on hundreds of family members and thousands of colleagues and friends.
Sat urday 22nd November 2008
During my visit to Korea to promote the MBC documentary 'my lost boy' about Andrews last days and my fight for justice. I was overwhelmed by the warmth and concern of the Korean people. As I walked through Seoul, took the subway, bus and went shopping members of the public would come up to me and cry for Andrew my loss.
They called me ' FIGHTIN MUM' and promised they would support my quest for the truth. I met many lovely people during my tour of lectures including members of the school dinners network, teachers association, farmers, women’s peasant movement, MPs . lawyers, students, academics, scientists all without exception wanted to know the facts and reasons why vCJD exited and why BSE material was allowed unhindered into the UK’s human food chain for over a decade during the 1980s and 1990s.
I was invited to meet with members of the Korean Assembly below is a shortened version of our conference. The ministers were so kind and caring about Andrew and my loss and were interested to hear about the irrefutable facts that led to his avoidable death.
Christine tells the assembled ministers about Andrew vCJD and the economic policy in the UK during the 1980s and 1990s which put the beef industry before the UK Public lives. She also presents Ktag Kang with footage of Andrews last days and evidence of the UK governments lies and covers up. Christine gave the assembled MPs a shortened version of her talk stating ‘vCJD has not gone away and is a global issue. In 2008 and 2009 every family across the world should be able to make informed choices about the food they eat. Economic policy should never risk human health. BSE was and is a UK .man made manufactured disease brought about by the greed, lies and secrecy of the UK government during the 1980s and 1990s. Andrews’s death and vCJD was totally preventable but the UK beef industry profits were paramount, my only son paid the ultimate price fifty years of life and love with his family.
Kim Young 3Jin democratic party said ‘PEOPLE ACROSS THE GLOBE SHOULD BE ABLE TO LISTEN TO YOUR TESTIMONY…WE WILL SUPPORT YOU WITH OUR OTHER MPS BY PETITIONING THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UN SOUTH KOREAN BAN KI- MOON ASKING HIM TO INVITE YOU TO SPEAK TO THE UN AND TELL THE DELEGATES ABOUT YOU AND ANDREWS STORY.'
Wednesday 19t h November 2008
PDFmyURL.com Click on to the link below to see and hear my interview with MBC in Korea this News item was shown primetime on their breakfast news on Friday 14th November. Photo of Christine with organisers of her visit to Korea . Whilst I was peacefully demonstrating in Cheoung Gye Square Seoul talking about the UK government lies and cover- ups that led to Andrews avoidable death naming and shaming those on this website; I was faced with over 100 riot police and security officials monitoring my every word and gesture. I remain focused and totally unafraid as I have the truth and love on my side. http://media.daum.net/society/others/view.html?cateid67&newsid 081114103309914&p=imbc
Tuesday 18t h November 2008
I have been interviewed for ITV Meridian news about my trip to Korea. I have kept a video diary, photos and written account throughout my trip to Korea. I gave several lectures, attended a peaceful demonstration in Cheong - Gye Square in Seoul and was also invited to a meeting at the Korean Assembly (their parliament) to meet with various members of the Korean Government. Here is a photo of me with Sean (Sehyon Lee) my excellent interpreter who accompanied me throughout my stay and was essential in helping me to communicate. I am standing with Sean outside the Korean Republic Assembly as we are just about to go in to the talks with Ktag Kang. MP of the Labour party and Kim Young- Jin MP Democratic Party. I presented the conference with footage of Andrews last days plus evidence of the UK governments lies and cover up during the 1980s ands 1990s. VCJD is a global concern and the UK man made manufacture red disease has put the world at risk. I spoke to top Korean Vet and BSE expert Dr Ha- il Hong who voiced his concerns over the MBM and beef products that were exported from the UK across the globe during BSE. He too stated that vCJD is a global and on going issue. This ticking health time bomb can be firmly placed at the door of the men and women I have exposed on this website.
Monday 17t h November 2008
I am back from Korea, tired but happy to have met so many wonderful people committed to making their country and the world a better and safer place. I will be writing about my visit in detail in the next week, or so. At the moment all I need to do is sleep ....this is a photo of some of the students and their families who came along to my lecture at Busan University in Korea on Friday November 14th.
Sat urday 15t h November 2008
Today in Fairmont WV USA hundreds of people who have lost loved ones due to CJD will take a walk through beautiful countryside to remember their family members. PDFmyURL.com Nikki and Edd from [email protected] have arranged a walk and balloon release to support family and friends who have had to watch and nurse their loved ones die from CJD.
A balloon in Andrews name will be released in Fairmont and the photo of him alongside this blog will be posted with his details on a memoriam board so everyone who attends the walk can remember him in their prayers. CJD voice is a network of family, friends across the USA and globally who exchange support, information advice about CJD its latest research and news. I have had so many good wishes from its members, support and information.
The rise of sporadic CJD (naturally occurring form of the disease) has risen tremendously here in the UK and USA. Many families across the US are sure that environmental factors such as BSE infected material in the food chain has contributed to their loved ones dying of sporadic CJD. Many of these new victims of sCJD are significantly younger in age and correlate with the emergence of BSE in the UK and export of UK beef products to the USA.
Also MBM the UK animal feed which contained brain material from BSE infected cattle was exported to the USA to feed their farm animals. I believe the lethal UK pathogen BSE is claiming victims globally as well as in the UK. Professor Collinge told me that ' the next wave and genotype of vCJD victims will present differently to the people we have seen die of vCJD. so far. I believe the next wave of victims dying of vCJD may very well present like classic or sporadic CJD'.
Here in the UK many deaths due to sporadic or classic CJD have had question marks over diagnosis with some pathologists stating probably CJD? This blurring of diagnosis is very useful for statistics here in the UK as these diagnosis are in a grey area not often explored or investigated. Many families whose loved one has died of probable sporadic CJD have come forward to me with their experiences and doubts, I am investigating these at the moment. Many of these victims have had direct contact with the catering industry or have worked in school or institutional kitchens. I keep you posted.
Thursday 13t h November 2008
Below is the link to the minutes of the meeting of SaBto the advisory committee set up to explore discuss and give recommendations to the government regarding Blood, tissues and cells that may be at 'risk' regarding vCJD below are the points I raised about vCJD and the issues that Petert Buckland who lost his son Mark to a blood transfusing which was infected with vCJD If you have any concerns or comments about the safety of donated British blood or whether testing should/should not be available for UK residents please make this concerns know to SaBTO, your local MP or the Prime Minister Gordon Brown. ht t p://www.advisorybodies.doh.gov.uk/acsbt o/index.ht m
Tuesday 11t h November 2008
I will be in Korea to promote the documentary MBC special 'my lost boy' about Andrews last days and my fight for justice here in the UK. The programme after many cancellations was finally broadcast on 7th November at 10pm.across Korea.
I am also in Seoul to meet up with the many supporters of the campaign and to tell the Korean people about Andrew, vCJD and my quest for the truth. Alongside this blog is a photo of me being PDFmyURL.com filmed for the documentary by MBC.
I am hoping with international coverage of my investigations that 'justice for Andy' is another step closer, here in the UK. After a 14 hour flight I know I will be tired but determined to honour my son who asked me as he lay dying said:
'FIND OUT WHO DID THIS TO ME MUM AND EXPOSE THEM'
My trip to Korea is another part of a heartbreaking journey that no mother should ever have to consider or take but another step towards public accountability and justice for Andrew and all victims of vCJD.
Sat urday 8t h November 2008 (addit ional blog)
Below is just two of the many emails that I have received from Korea across Asia and the world since the broadcast of the MBC special 'my lost boy' about Andrews last days and my fight for justice here in the UK. The response from the Korean people has been huge. Their comments and thoughts about the UK governments lies and cover- up and the men and women named on this site are passionate, supportive and genuine. I believe that every parent globally has the right to know what is in their children’s food and what they are feeding their families. I never had that informed choice during the 1980s and 1990s here in the UK and because of the secrecy and lies around BSE perpetuated by the ministers and officials named and shamed on this website my Andrew died of vCJD. I am hoping by getting justice for Andrew and all victims past present and future of vCJD that it will prevent other tragedy’s like vCJD happening ever again. Meanwhile I remain focused on the culprits here in the UK and am building a dossier of damning evidence.
Dear Christine, My family and I are from Korea, and we immigrated to New Zealand. Everyone in our family just saw the documentary of Andy, and we are heartbroken to hear your story. I wish for you to never lose your courage, to never lose hope in finding justice for your son. If you ever need support for your campaign in New Zealand we will do anything to help you. Susan (NZ)
To Ms Black,Hi. I'm Mr. Choi from South Korea. I just watched your story about your son who passed away last year on TV and I feel sorry for that...As being in Korea...I don't have anything helpful for you, but I'd like to tell you 'I am with u and support your ground against the British authorities.'Take care for your health and please keep in mind that there are many upholders of you in Korea... Yours faithfully, In- Mok Choi
Sat urday 8t h November 2008
The documentary filmed by MBC titled 'my lost boy' after the poem I wrote for Andrews funeral was finally broadcast last night (Friday 7th November 2008) at 10pm across Korea.
I will keep you posted regarding the impact and developments from the broadcast of the programme which was postponed three times in the last four months. Here is a photo of myself and Chang the producer taken at Pitsham Farm, Midhurst, West Sussex where the first cow with BSE was recorded in December 1984. Pitsham Farm is just 25 miles from Andrews home in Portsmouth.
PDFmyURL.com Friday 7t h November 2008
In December 1987 Lord Montagu of Beaulieu wrote to the Minister of Agriculture John MacGregor.
Lord Montagu was concerned and rightly worried over the threat BSE posed to human health if diseased cattle went into the food chain. Lord Montagu a land owner was so concerned over the way the government was handling and suppressing the threat to human health he wrote in his letter to MacGregor.
'There is nothing which prevents veterinary officers from certifying the carcass of an animal infected with this disease (BSE) as fit for human consumption. I understand little research has been done on whether this disease can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of beef from infected animals. Until this is known it seems quite wrong to sell infected carcasses for this purpose'.
Lord Montagu was right on all counts BSE posed a threat to human health it was striking that his sensible and obvious account of the situation was ignored and blocked by MAFF as inconsequential and of little relevance. I have spoken to vets who worked on the land during BSE and their eye witness accounts are staggering one vet told me 'There was just a cursory look from the Government Vet at cattle that were obviously ill with BSE and they would be signed off as fit to go into the food chain' he added ' looking back it was happening all the time we just went along with what the Government vet said' Welsh Vet (2008).
Anyone with eyes in their head could see that diseased animals suffering from BSE staggering, salivating and trembling should not in any capacity be allowed near the human food chain. But in Whitehall there was money to be made and huge profits at stake in the beef and agriculture industry. These money making machines for the government, MAFF and shareholders had to be protected at all costs, which meant BSE was allowed unfettered for years into the food chain and to manifest itself into vCJD. My sons death and hundreds of others victims of vCJD was totally avoidable many many times over, many many years of opportunities to stop this deadly disease were deliberately ignored as political careers and finances were secured through looking the other way and lying. As I approach the first anniversary of Andrews death I remain focused and clear and will honour my promise to Andrew as he lay dying ' find out who did this to me mum and expose them'.
My sons life and death was decided by the culprits named on this website they hold the smoking gun that killed my Andrew and they will be held accountable for those deliberate actions and decisions.
The Government and MAFF from the earliest days of BSE had research which showed the devastation that BSE could wreck on human health. This research some funded by MAFF itself was kept secret and covered up. The scientists involved in this research have told me that they were so shocked at what they found in the 1980s that they changed their eating habits many becoming vegetarians. These Scientists also told me 'what the government and MAFF were telling the British Public ie 'that British beef was safe to eat' was far removed from what we were finding out during our research.
Not only did infected BSE cattle continue in the food chain for years, even cows that were later culled and were definitely sub clinical ( not showing any symptoms) went into the food chain. Its estimated that everyone over 11 in the UK has eaten at least 50 BSE infected meals.
Alongside this blog is a photo of Andrew taken this time last year he had only a few short weeks to live. Andrew is proudly wearing his CBBC crew shirt which was given to him when he was working on children’s television programming, just a few years earlier. Andrew had a brilliant future ahead of him in Radio and Television but when this photo was taken November 2007 he could no longer walk, feed himself, or move out of his chair. Within days he was bedridden for the final time, my son would no longer put a foot to the floor, wear outside clothes or feel the sun on his face ever again. The reality of dying from vCJD. PDFmyURL.com Tuesday 4 t h November 2008
In an article entitled 'Britain sells nvCJD blood to 11 countries' in the Guardian on 5th February 2001, stated that:
'Blood products donated by three people who were later struck down with the human form of BSE have been sold to 11 countries. Thousands of patients worldwide, and an unknown number of haemophiliacs in Britain, might have received treatments with the products between 1996 and last year. The risk of infection - which health department officials insist is only theoretical - has now been closed off by restricting blood sources to the US.'
'BPL had informed appropriate regulatory bodies abroad that nvCJD patients had donated blood. It had also written to wholesalers in each country and had confirmation they had told their relevant ministries. 'We have tried our very best,' said a spokesman.'
WHERE IT WENT:
Ireland: Polio vaccine - 83,500 doses Brazil: Albumin - 44,864 vials, immunoglobulin 80 vials Dubai: Albumin - 2,400 vials India: Albumin - 953 vials Turkey: Ammunoglobulin - 840 vials Brunei: Albumin - 400 vials Egypt: Albumin - 144 vials Morocco: Albumin - 100 vials Oman: Immunoglobulin - 100 vials Russia: Factor VIII - 23 vials Singapore: Immunoglobulin - 3 vials
Monday 3rd November 2008
On Friday 31st October I had a two hour one to one meeting with Professor John Collinge at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. Professor Collinge is a world expert in CJD and had recently returned from a meeting in Madrid where the two spanish victims of vCJD were discussed. The mother and son had recently both died of vCJD in the Spanish area of Leon. Professor Collinge told me that ' The son use to regularly visit his mother. The region where she lived a food speciality was eating cows brains.' So whenever he came to see his mother they use to sit down together and eat fried cows brains. ' Professor Collinge continued ' eating BSE infected cows brains direct from a butcher meant they probably consumed high levels of rogue prions. There had been outbreaks of BSE in cattle in the area. It seems that this was the most likely source of them both developing vCJD' The mother in her sixties and the son in his forties died within months of each other, as they ate cows brains direct it is believed that the infectious dose they consumed must have been huge.
Professor Collinge and I discussed many aspects of vCJD and BSE including Andrews illness, its onset and progression. We also talked about drugs such as pentosan ( which in some cases of vCJD has helped to slow down the progression of the disease) and drug treatments that his team are currently testing and researching.
Professor Collinge has always been very accessible and willing to talk and answer my questions. We discussed the suppression of information and facts by MAFF and the Government during BSE. Including the various types of deer that had died of BSE in London
PDFmyURL.com Zoo whose remains had been sent to the Central Veterinary Lab ( see Ray Bradley) the same place vet David Bee had sent the first recorded case of a cow with BSE.
The photo shows David Bee giving me a hug at Pitsham Farm, West Sussex at the farm where he recorded that very first cow with BSE in December 1984. This photo was taken during the filming of the BBC1 documentary ' who killed my son?' David told me he repeatedly phoned the CVL asking them to take a look at the cows remains ASAP as David knew the cow had died of something ' new and terrible' It apparently took 9 months before a pathologist even looked at the samples.
After my meeting with Professor Collinge I went to the Chapel in the hospital where I use to sit whilst Andrew was a patient in one of the wards close by. I cried again as I remembered Andrew saying ' I want to be able to feed myself' 'and him so anxious and unsure of why he had become so ill and dependant so swiftly.
As I left the chapel and walked to my next meeting all I could see was my young son so ill and scared looking up at me from his hospital bed pleading with me ' I want to go home and everything be as it was'...... less than 5 months later he was dead.
"One in a thousand of the UK population could be carrying vCJD." (Professor John Collinge,March 2008)
To wat ch t he document ary please use t his link
www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/england/realmedia/insideout/south/insideout? size=16x9&bgc=C0C0C0&nbram=1&bbram=1&nbwm=1&bbwm=1 Site Map
PDFmyURL.com