Monday, 3 December 2007

Targeted again

I have another comment from the guy who seems very bitter about my payment.
I have responded and have asked him to contact me directly and not go through the newspaper as he is becoming quite malicious in his comments. He is trying to say I blame my dad for my illness. I have never blamed my dad and loved him immensly. I am not sure if this a malicious attack by a family member as the person comments on my family all the time, assuming illnesses and how they feel. It’s like it is an attack that is very personal.
This is the first letter (which was not from the malicious person):

I am very happy that Mrs Brewer has won a satisfactory settlement from the Ministry of Defence. I am sure that this settlement was only made possible by the attention of the press and certainly not through the benevolence of the MOD. Mrs Brewers claim that the disease was occasioned by the contact with her fathers overalls was perhaps a little tenuous when considered against the refusal of the Ministry of Defence to compensate service men for the same condition. A warship was only habitable, if that is the word,because of the vast amounts of Asbestos that was used to insulate the ships. Blue asbestos being sprayed onto baremetal surfaces to a depth of about 50mm to insulate from the sea. Machinery spaces where it was only possible to work day in and day out surrounded by asbestos lagging. The dust caused by that material being subjected to the vibrations of high speed machinery and the effects of rough weather caused many of us,who were proud to serve in the Royal Navy,to conract asbestos related lung disease. That is a fact and is not denied by the MOD. As we were serving personnel and not civilian employees or their dependants we as a body are barred from any compensation. Is this really fair?
John, Kelly Bray

The second letter is more personal :

I do agree with john , i believe Mrs Brewer has dragged her poor family and fathers name through the press to get the settlement i cannot imagine what her mother and her fathers other children are going through. I worked in the dockyard also lagging , i got a payment nothing close to Mrs Brewers , NONE of us have and i imagine her poor father was the same ,its wrong.
william j , plymouth

My Response :

I read, with interest, the comment left by William, I am sorry he has an asbestos related illness also. As I said before, I did not work with asbestos, I have had this disease through no fault of my own. I have not dragged my family through the media. I know that he probably gets an industrial injury benefit that I am unable to get and if he was in my position, if he had never worked with it and found he had been exposed, would he really sit back and do nothing? Don’t attack me as I am an innocent in all this. I was a child when I was exposed. I could do nothing to avert myself from getting Mesothelioma, if I could have then I would have. I have nothing but pride for my dad and he should never have been put through the anguish and trauma which is the same as William is suffering. It is a disgrace. My media attention had nothing to do with the claim but has had a lot to do with highlighting the wrong doing of the MoD. I am 48 years old and not sure if I will see my children grow and create their own families. That is so heartbreaking for me. I have a full time job and work to support my family. If I could rid myself of cancer, I would gladly give up that payment. Direct your anger were it should be directed, at those who have given us a life sentence. Contact me at Phu_phita@hotmail.com if you want to discuss things further.
Debbie Brewer, Plymouth

And the third one after my response :

“Direct your anger were it should be directed, at those who have given us a life sentence.” so in this case your dad? as he was the one who “gave ” you the disease ? Another question , well , an opinion , surely your mother would have got meso from your father before you? very confusing. if i was in your position (which techniclly i am , i am dying )i would of done the same mrs brewer , however as john said , you have used your poor fathers name and reeped reward from the media . I am happy you got a payment from the mod ,its a blessing for you and your family however , i feel it was highly elevated due to media pressure and i feel for your mother and the rest of your family,it cannot possibly be easy for them . regards , will.
william j , plymouth

And my response again :
William, I have read your comment and do not understand your bitterness towards me. Is it the money? You don’t know how much I got and are assuming an amount I am sure. Why should I blame my father? He, as you, did not know. I loved my dad and he would never have passed on this disease to me or any of his children. I am grateful that no one else in my familyhas it. I would appeciate it if you did not put words in to my mouth as I have never blamed my dad. I was referring to the MoD as you well know. You do not know my family and have no right to comment on any of them. You seem very bitter at having your disease, I am too and would stop at nothing to rid myself of it as you would. Attacking me for challenging a company who gave me this is very bitter. If you think the decisison was wrong then ask the MoD to lodge an appeal. They investigated fully, my work history where I lived and every avenue of my life. Media pressure had noting to do with it. I would appreciate it if you did not pretend to know my family and you have no idea about any illness my mother has or has not. Have the guts to contact me privatley and talk to me face to face. My email is phu_phita@hotmail.com. I look forward tohearing from you
Debbie Brewer, Plymouth

I am still trying to come to terms with my illness and this person seems intent on attacking me. I just want to know why it is getting so personal? It must be the money, But why? We have the same illness. Who knows. I will wait and see if he agrees to speak with me personally.

(Footnote) William never contacted me and all comments were taken off the local papers site. I would imagine that he is angry because he thinks I have received a great amount from the MoD. I didn’t, I just don’t want to reveal it. Some people get very bitter, It isn’t a lottery win!
All I can say is you are welcome to the money if you take all the pain and anguish that goes with it.


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