Ref. 28795-30THE widow of a Swindon man who died after receiving blood infected with hepatitis C has vowed to fight on in her bid for compensation.

Haemophiliac Chris Mobey died in August 2001 after picking up the virus through a blood transfusion some time before 1991. He was 38.

In January, Dawn Mobey of Wimpole Close, Park South, was one of 200 people told they would not receive a penny from the Government following the death of loved ones.

The Government announced it would give up to £45,000 compensation to those living with the virus after receiving infected blood.

Now Mrs Mobey is carrying on her fight for compensation and says she is hoping to get in contact with the other families. She will take her claim to the European courts if necessary.

Mrs Mobey, 34, said: "I think it is disgusting what the Government has done.

"It has clearly waited until many of the victims died before it announced the payouts. This was one of the biggest scandals in the NHS yet families such as mine will get nothing in the way of compensation.

"I have never been sent a letter of apology for the suffering all this has caused to my family that's the part that's difficult to take."

An inquest confirmed infected Factor Eight a substance made from blood contributions using several donors was the cause of Mr Mobey's death.

Health secretary John Reid said widows of those who had died would get nothing even though living victims would receive compensation of up to £45,000.

Mrs Mobey, who now takes a daily cocktail of anti-depressants, is struggling to raise her three children, Kimberley, 11, Darren, nine, and Kelly, three, single-handedly.

"The kids don't know too much what's going on, but they keep asking why their dad died I can't answer them," she said.

Following our front-page story, Swindon South MP Julia Drown wrote to Dr Reid demanding answers.

But the reply was not good news.

"The Government is in a difficult position," said Ms Drown. "I am extremely sympathetic to this case, but I appreciate the Government has to take everything into account.

"It took the decision there was insufficient funds to give money to the families. That cash would have had to be taken away from vital public services."

Devoted family man Mr Mobey was diagnosed with the virus in 1993.

Although it lay dormant for a while, in 1999 it flared up, causing cirrhosis of the liver, forcing him to have a transplant.

While the operation went well, the new organ quickly became infected. Mr Mobey then received another transplant, which became even more infected. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on August 24, 2001, and died later that day due to severe internal bleeding.

Even during the final few months however, Mrs Mobey said her husband would put on a brave face and play with their children.

Kevin Shoesmith