Good starts for Fund set up to help injured soldiers' compensation battle

A FUND set up to take the Government to court over its treatment of soldiers like Doncaster's Ben Parkinson raised £14,600 on its first day.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Aug 2007, 09:29 BST
Updated 31st Aug 2007, 11:11 BST

Ben - who lost both legs and suffered serious head inquires in a landmine explosion in Afghanistan - was awarded compensation for just three of his 37 injuries.

His mother Diane Dernie, of Wheatley Hills, Doncaster, is planning to take the Ministry of Defence to the High Court after he was awarded 152,150 - just over half the 285,000 maximum award. A Protect our Protectors Fighting Fund was set up as a result.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Diane, of Wheatley Hills, has told 23-year-old Ben about the campaign.

She said: "He was delighted by the support people throughout the country have shown. Other soldiers keep telling him what a great campaign it is but Ben is insistent this is for everyone,

"We have said before we owe it to all the injured soldiers to fight for the compensation they deserve, and which will help them to live the best quality life they can expect. "

Andrew Buckham, a member of the Armed Forces Claims Unit at law firm Irwin Mitchell, said: "The current Armed Forces Compensation Scheme simply does not provide adequate compensation for those who need it most and needs to be reviewed as soon as possible."

Related topics:Ben ParkinsonGovernmentDoncasterIrwin MitchellAfghanistan