'Children could never say exactly what their fathers had died from'

For years, Andy Gunn and Bruce Norval have been at the forefront of high-profile and determined campaigns highlighting the scandalous cover-up of how thousands of British haemophiliacs were infected with the HIV virus and hepatitis C from contaminated blood products.

Mr Gunn, a blues singer and musician from Inverness, and Mr Norval, of Fortrose, are among the dwindling numbers of remaining Scottish haemophiliacs who attended an emotional and evocative commemorative service in Edinburgh.

It also marked the launch of the Contaminated Blood Memorial Fund which aims to provide a lasting memorial in recognition of those who have died as a result of the contaminated blood disaster in Scotland.

Attended by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister John Swinney and Health Minister Shona Robison, the private service was the first occasion in Scotland that loved ones, family and friends have come together to share their grief and loss through words, poetry and song.

It is also expected to herald an announcement later this month from the Scottish Government regarding a new financial support package for victims and their families.

Mr Norval has been instrumental in getting the idea of the memorial fund off the ground.

"There are now less than one-third of affected haemophiliacs surviving - the rest have died," he reflected. "We now have more bereaved families than victims.

"I feel it is important to bring the focus back to their loss and to allow bereaved families to set up something and make their views known about what has happened."

The 50-year-old, who was diagnosed with haemophilia at the age of three, was treated with blood factor products which he subsequently discovered had come from high-risk donors including drug addicts and prisoners. He was diagnosed with several strains of hepatitis plus other active viruses.

After the scandal started to become public in the 1990s, he helped to form a campaign body, The Manor House Group.

"Of the original 12 campaigners, I am the only one who is still breathing," he said.

In 1991, under threat of court action for allowing knowingly contaminated blood products into the country, the British Government made ex-gratia payments to those infected with HIV – an average of £60,000 – on the condition that haemophiliacs would sign an undertaking not to sue the Government for any future infection through their treatments.

Mr Norval, who has been unable to work since he was in his 30s, today continues campaigning for better compensation for victims and their families.

Given the stigma surrounding HIV, many victims and their families felt they had to keep it a secret.

"We have a whole generation of haemophiliacs who could never tell people what they had," Mr Norval said. "Children could never say exactly what their fathers had died from."

He said this week’s service at Augustine United Church was an emotional occasion.

"It was poignant, it was dignified, it was difficult," he reflected.

"I sat in the room and cried as I remembered the hundreds or more who should be here. I listened to the speeches made by the children of friends I have lost. It marked what I hope will be the start of the healing process which has been long delayed."

Fellow campaigner Mr Gunn, meanwhile, sang and played at the service.

The 41-year-old has recently re-released a critically-acclaimed album, Miracle of Healing, some of which was recorded while he was being treated at Raigmore Hospital for hepatitis C-related cancer. It was recorded with the help of a Highland musician friend, Martin Stephenson.

Turning to music has been therapeutic for Mr Gunn, who has also had to battle with mental health issues.

He was aged seven when he was given contaminated blood products.

"I am angry about what happened," said Mr Gunn. "At the same time, you cannot be consumed by it. You have to get on with life as best you can. Music helps me to do that. It is a great focus for me.

* Anyone wishing to donate to the memorial fund, which is being supported by Haemophilia Scotland, can do so at www.justgiving.com,or email cbmemorial23@gmail.com.

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