Thalidomide : Bring the drug manufacturers to justice.

The drug, Thalidomide is believed to have been invented by the Nazi during the Second World War. The drug resurfaced in the fifties and by 1958 was being marketed as a 'wonder drug'. Over the next four years it was responsible for over 20,000 deaths, tens of thousands of miscarriages in pregnant women and 6,000 babies born with gross disfigurements, the likes of which the world had never seen. To this day, it is the biggest medical disaster in history.

467 of those babies are still alive in Britain today. Up until now, 50 years on, Grunenthal has refused to compensate its victims.

My name is Billy Burton. I am a 50 year old victim of the drug thalidomide. I have short arms, clubbed hands with only four fingers on each hand. I also have problems with my ears, nose and throat. Respiratory problems which affect my breathing, Neurological problems which affect my nerve endings and Musculo-skeletal problems, which affect my neck, shoulders, arms, hands, spine, hips, knees and feet.

I am already losing the dexterity I have and in the next 5 to 10 years I will lose the ability to shower, dress, go to the toilet and feed myself.

The reality of losing my independence is frightening and now, as it has started to happen, I have to prepare for the future. I will need to make alterations to my house and also find the financial means to fund carers and medical needs.

I didn't ask for this disability and the realisation that the next twenty years are going to be harder than the last fifty is, at times, quite overwhelming.

Grunenthal Pharmaceutical Company is worth an estimated 11 billion euros.
I would like them to firstly, say sorry and then prove they mean it by helping me and the other 466 Thalidomiders financially, in order that we can live our twilight years in a degree of security and comfort that I think we deserve.

I'm not asking for your money, just your support. Please put your hand on our wall at www.showyourhand.org

There is more information there about Thalidomide also videos of some of the bravest, most amazing people you're likely to meet.