TERROR VICTIM'S pounds 130M FUND BID

Sunday Mirror, Jul 6, 2008 by VINCENT MOSS

A VICTIM of the July 7 bombings is urging the Government to set up a pounds 130million annual fund to help the "forgotten" victims of terrorism.

Andy Brown, 52, who lost his legs in the suicide attacks which claimed 52 lives in London in 2005, has launched the campaign with his wife Jan, 51.

They want the Government to set up a compensation fund - to be paid for by a 5p a week levy on all taxpayers.

The couple, who have three children, want pounds 1.7 million to cover the cost of his care for life. This includes a home adapted for his wheelchair - he sleeps in the dining room of their Wirral home as he is unable to get upstairs.

But their claim has been capped at pounds 500,000 - so far they have only had pounds 112,000 from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. And up to 70 survivors of the attacks are yet to receive compensation.

The couple will discuss the campaign with Justice Secretary Jack Straw this week. Jan said: "Our meeting with him is for everybody who is a victim of a terrorist attack. Everyone's forgotten about the victims, which is wrong."