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From The Sunday Times
September 13, 2009

Thalidomide victim Gary Skyner to go on hunger strike

Daniel Foggo

A MAN born with deformed limbs because his mother was prescribed thalidomide during pregnancy is to go on hunger strike in protest at the government’s refusal to pay compensation to the victims of the anti-morning sickness drug.

Gary Skyner, 49, and his mother Frances, 72, say they will refuse all food except vitamin tablets and drink only water and coffee until the government capitulates.

“I am prepared to go all the way if necessary because the cause is a just one, and when I say I will do something I always carry it through,” said Skyner, a father of two who suffers from a heart condition.

Skyner, who has no thumbs, wrists, elbows or radius bones in either arm, the shortest of which is just 9in, said: “I’ve not had a proper life because my disability has held me back but other thalidomiders have been far worse affected than me and we must not be ignored or dismissed by the government any more.”

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His mother said: “Gary has always fought for others. His doctor has warned him not to do this but he has set his mind on it.”

Skyner, who says his daughters Hollie, 18, and Jessica, 12, have begged him not to go on hunger strike, will begin his fast in eight days’ time.

“They are very worried about my cardiac situation, and so is my wife Shelagh, but this is something I have to do,” he said.

Dr David Ryan, Skyner’s GP, said: “I have advised Gary not to do this. There is a suggestion that he has a weakness in his heart — it is a mild dilatation of his left ventricle. It means that that muscle is not as efficient as it should be.

“With a hunger strike, general concerns are malnutrition, lack of nutrients putting your heart and kidneys under strain.

“If you trouble your kidneys then you can affect your blood pressure, which can then affect your heart, so there’s a knock-on effect which you would worry about.”

Ryan said he had recently told his patient to lose fat and he had managed to reduce his weight from 26 to 22 stone. However, Ryan added: “We would always advise people to do that in a sensible way and this is not a sensible way.”

The Skyners’ ultimatum is the latest round in a continuing battle between the government and about 450 “thalidomiders” — those crippled in the womb in the 1950s and 1960s by a drug that left them with missing or drastically stunted limbs as well as other conditions such as brain damage and impaired sight.

All British thalidomiders receive annual payments from the Thalidomide Trust, after a compensation settlement agreed with Distillers, the pharmaceutical company that manufactured the drug in the UK.

But as their bodies age and break down from the unnatural strains placed upon them, their living costs have spiralled. Those physically able to drive require specialist cars costing about £60,000 and many need wheelchairs that cost £18,000 and wear out after only a few years.

The financial legacy of the settlement with Distillers, achieved after a long-running Sunday Times campaign during the 1960s and 1970s, is now insufficient, thalidomiders argue.

They say that the government is also liable since in 1958 one of its agencies judged the drug as being of “proven value”, thereby encouraging its prescription on the NHS. In fact, thalidomide had never been tested for its effects on pregnant women by either Distillers or the German company Grünenthal, which claimed to have discovered it in 1953.

Nick Dobrik, a thalidomider who is leading the campaign, said that although ministers from the Department of Health were meeting him, they were refusing to agree to fund the additional £8m a year needed to cover the extra costs of thalidomiders in middle age.

“The whole thalidomide tragedy need not have happened but the British government played its part in letting it do so. Unlike other European governments, it has never helped the victims,” he said.

Dobrik, who has collected the signatures of 265 MPs for an early day motion calling for the funding, said he had also been rebuffed by Andrew Lansley, the shadow health secretary.

Last week campaigners distributed 10,000 leaflets among Lansley’s constituents in Cambridgeshire South, calling on them to write to him about the issue. His local office has been picketed and Dobrik is threatening to field a candidate against him at the next election.

“I’m very sorry that Andrew Lansley continues to ignore us, especially as the thalidomide disaster happened during a Tory government’s administration,” said Dobrik.

Now Skyner’s drastic measure may mean that the tragedy of thalidomide takes on a new dimension. Dr Martin Johnson, director of the Thalidomide Trust, said: “We are rather disturbed that one of our beneficiaries feels it necessary to take such steps and we are concerned for his health.”

Colin Brown, the owner of the Blenheim Lakeside hotel in Liverpool, near the Skyners’ home, said he would give them a room for the duration of the hunger strike. Staff would ensure that no food was supplied to them.

Skyner, who is a successful comedian and public speaker, intends to continue working for as long as he is able during the hunger strike.

Additional reporting: Declan McGarvey

Drug riddle

Documents have emerged which suggest that thalidomide might have been discovered by the British instead of the Germans.

Until now it has generally been accepted that it was created in 1953 by a team of relatively inexperienced scientists working for Grünenthal, a German firm formed shortly after the second world war.

Now documents show that scientists led by a British professor had discovered a compound with an almost identical chemical formula to thalidomide at least four years earlier.

The new paper trail has emerged after the discovery by an author, Carlos De Napoli, of a US patent application in 2005 by Antibioticos, an Italian company, registering its method of manufacturing thalidomide.

In the patent, Antibioticos states that thalidomide was first synthesised in Britain in 1949 by a team led by Frederick King, a professor of chemistry at Nottingham University, who worked on secret projects during the war.

Ricky Hatton supports Thalidomide victim's hunger strike

by Angela Johnson. Published Thu 01 Oct 2009 15:17, Last updated: 2009-10-01

Gaz + Ricky Hatton

 

Former World light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton MBE has given his full support to Liverpool comedian Gary Skyner's hunger strike. 

Victim of the drug Thalidomide Gary Skyner, 49, and his mother Frances, 72, are protesting at the government's refusal to pay compensation to the users of the anti-morning sickness drug.

The pair have been on hunger strike for nine days, refusing all food except vitamin tablets and drinking only water and coffee until the government capitulates.

Skyner, who has no thumbs, wrists, elbows or radius bones in either arm, was the second person born in the UK with horrific side effects of the drug prescribed to combat morning sickness in the 50's and early 60's.


Ricky Hatton is supporting his friend Gary Skyner, yet is concerned for Gary’s health - he has a history of heart problems. 

In addition to this, his 72-year-old mother is on daily medication which is required to be taken with food. 

Ricky is urging Health Minister Andy Burnham MP to intervene and meet with both Gary Skyner and his committee to find a satisfactory resolution to this 50 year battle. 

A spokesman for Ricky Hatton said: "Ricky and his supporters would like to wish Gary and his mother their best wishes during their protest and would like to be kept informed of developments." 

Graduating from BCUC

Applied Social Sciences and Humanities keynote speaker, Gary Skyner, with graduating students (left to right) Philip Myers, Lucinda Stratford, Lucien Day and John Miles Applied Social Sciences and Humanities keynote speaker, Gary Skyner, with graduating students (left to right) Philip Myers, Lucinda Stratford, Lucien Day and John Miles

...

North east catches a tiger by the tail
The CIPFA North East (Northern Division) Students' Society was launched on Thursday March 31 at Tiger Tiger in Newcastle. An enjoyable day was had by all, with more than 30 local students attending.

The speakers included CIPFA's education and training director Ken Gill, who talked about training and the possible consolidation; John Gough from the Department for Work and Pensions, who engaged the audience with a debate on pensions provision; and Gary Skyner (comedian, motivational speaker and thalidomide victim), who gave an inspiring presentation on achieving goals.

...

Newman Day
Our annual celebration of Newman Day took place on the 22nd November this year.
Students we re off timetable for the day as several dozen speakers, artists, dancers, musicians, community groups and cultural leaders visited the college to celebrate our distinctiveness, and to entertain, educate, challenge and inspire our students. It was a hugely enjoyable, but thought provoking day. There were lunch-time concerts, many and varied performances, food from around the world, fund raising events, and the college echoed to the sound of laughter.

Newman’s Head of RE was delighted with the impact that the event made. “It was a marvellous day for the college,” said Anne Russell, “and if anything it even surpassed last year’s celebration.

There were too many inspirational visitors to single out any particular favourites, but Black Umfolosi a dance and vocal group from Zimbabwe brought the house down with their effervescence and the life in their performances, and Gary Skyner a comedian from Liverpool led three excellent sessions on disability and equality to packed audiences.”
“I know that both want to return next year. The feedback from all our students was brilliant. It was a very special day.”

...


Gary Skyner 

 

xxxx
Gary Skyner married at 25, has a 16-year-old daughter and makes a living as a stand-up comedian - often cracking gags about disability and his shorter arms. As well as much characteristic Scouse banter, we see Gary having a go at learning how to fly a plane.

...

This blog was set up in August 2006 with the intention of providing me an opportunity to look behind the scenes of football and explore the changes brought in to the national game, with specific reference back to the changing situation at Wycombe Wanderers.

I was listening to a very inspiring talk given by Gary Skyner earlier this week. Gary was one of the thalidomide victims of the 1960s and has fought ceaselessly to prove what can be achieved if you only put your mind to it. In any case, Gary is a big football fan (he is from Liverpool).

During his talk Gary referred to the story of Bill Shankley putting up a sign saying "This is Anfield" above the player's tunnel at Anfield.

xxxx
As Shankly himself said:

"It's there to remind our lads who they're playing for, and to remind the opposition who they're playing against."
Liverpool is synonymous with Anfield. Players and supporters understand it. One of the highlights of the Anfield tour is the opportunity to touch the sign, just like one of the players coming on to the pitch.

 

...

Motivational Speech from Medical Disaster Survivor

28 March 2006

Comedian and Lawyer Gary Skyner visited The Oldham College today to deliver his funny yet motivation presentation to a packed Grange Arts theatre.

Gary has succeeded against all odd, after being a victim of the thalidomide tragedy, a drug administered to his mother during pregnancy. The harmful drug left him with impaired physical development and was not expected by the doctors at the time to live much longer than birth.

His incredible story formed part of his presentation in which he told of how he conquered his disability and pushed through many extraordinary barriers on the way.

Now in his 40's Gary has crammed more than most into his life, not only overcoming obstacles in his physical abilities, but becoming an award-winning comedian, Gary is a welder and a respected lawyer. He holds an advanced driving qualification and pilot’s licence.

He inspired staff and students to not settle for second best, but strive on to achieve and exceed all their goals.

His liverpudlian sense of humour and experience on comedy circuits made for a lively yet thought provoking afternoon of entertainment.

...

Gary Spoke at our Spring Bash 2005

As the second child in the UK to be born damaged by the deadly thalidomide drug, which was administered to expectant mothers in the 1960’s, Gary’s life was destined to be difficult and challenging, as the drug impaired his physical development. Expected not to live, let alone to achieve much, Gary is living proof that there is nothing you cannot achieve if you believe you can.

With his comedic flair, Gary will show you how to conquer fears, benefit from failures, change attitudes, your own and others; learn to change limitations into opportunities, obstacles into challenges, and master your full capabilities.

He represents encouragement in the face of defeat and will challenge us to learn to think differently, to live life with courage and passion, and achieve what we think is impossible.

I’ve been told to “Expect the unexpected”, as he delivers key information in the most humorous way. “Let him entertain you, touch your heart and get your brain working in new directions”

Press releases

12 Oct 2004

Comic Praises Children's Project

A well-known comedian has praised the work that South Tyneside Council is doing to boost the educational achievements of looked after children.

Thalidomide victim Gary Skyner, whose comic talent has earned him considerable fame, was guest motivational speaker at a presentation ceremony held at Temple Park Leisure Centre.

During the event, around 50 children who are in the Council's care were presented with a certificate of personal or educational achievement.
 
The ceremony was organised by The Project for Looked After Children's Education (The PLACE), which intends to drive up their educational attainment.

Gary, 44, from Liverpool said: "This is a fantastic project which is keeping kids on the right track.  It's plain to see that it's working because I was talking to youngsters who have high school attendance levels and are taking part in training courses."

Gary also offered the youngsters hope that success can be achieved in the face of prejudice.

"These kids might not think they have got a lot in common with a 19-stone man with short arms," he said. "But the truth is, we've got an awful lot in common.  People look at me and say I can't do this and can't do that. In a similar way, some people form ideas about these youngsters because of their family background.  They pre-judge us before they even know us.

"I told the youngsters they can achieve great things if they work hard and work towards something they really want rather than something that is expected of them. If I had done what people expected me to do, I'd have spent my life answering the telephone for a living. But I'm now doing something I love."

The PLACE brings together a multi-disciplinary team, which oversees the educational development of looked after children. The team consists of a teacher, social worker, education welfare officer, residential staff, learning mentors, curriculum support workers and a local authority manager.

And it is proving to be a big success, as there has been a year on year increase since 2001 in the percentage of young people passing at least one GCSE.

Councillor Jim Foreman, Lead Member Social Care and Health, said: "The PLACE plays a valuable part in fulfilling our corporate role and responsibility as a parent of looked after children.  Ceremonies such as the one held at Temple Park are important because they recognise the efforts and achievements of these youngsters, and encourage further improvement.

"The certificates we gave out were very specific to the individual whether it be for personal or educational achievements. Some were for consistent school attendance or good exam results, whilst others were for being helpful at home. Those who could not attend the event received certificates through the post."

As well as Gary's performance, an earlier event featuring a magician and a disco was held for younger children.

Eileen Dunn, Acting Head of Children's Services added: "This is about celebrating the marvellous achievements of the children and young people in our care. They should be commended for the efforts they have made at school, or at home and it is only right that they be congratulated for everything that they have accomplished."

The event was held a result of joint working between the Social Care and Health, Lifelong Learning and Leisure and Corporate Development directorates.

Facts About Gary Skyner.

2Nd Born Thalidomide Victim In Great Britain 5Th November 1959. Thalidomide Was A Drug Prescribed For Pregnant Women To Avoid Morning Sickness Back In The 1950’S & 60’S But As You Can See It Had Devastating Effects On The Unborn Child.

Attended Alder Hey Childrens Hospital In West Derby, Liverpool Since The Day He Was Born Up Until His 14Th Birthday Having 14 Major Operations On His Hands, Shoulders, Fingers, Wrist’S & Elbows. Brought Up In (Toxteth), A Notoriously Tough Area Of Liverpool Infamous For The Riots Back In 1981 & An Area Of High Unemployment.

Attended Tiber Street Infants & County Primary School Tiber Street Was A Main Stream School – Not A Special School For The Disabled. Gary Played Football At Schoolboy Level For Tiber Street And Held His Place In The Team Amongst All The Other Players Who Were Able Bodied. Gary Took All Subjects Including Physical Education. He Was Also Disaplined The Same As All The Other Pupils – Including The Cain, The Only Difference Was, That When Gary Received The Cain Which Thankfully Was Not Often He Got It On His Backside Not On The Hand – This Was The Only Dispensation Shown To Him Whilst At School.

At Higher Education Levels Gary Attended Arundel Comprehensive School – Again In Toxteth- Again An (Ordinary School). Upon Leaving School Gary Was Told The Only Job He Could Do Would Be Clerical – Or – Answering The Telephone. He Was Employed On A Y.O.P. Youth Oppertunitties Programme As A Swithchboard Operator Ironically At Alder Hey Hospital – The Place He Had Virtually Spent 14 Years Of His Life Having Operations To Correct His Deformities He Has Defied All Expectations – Medics Said He Would Die At Or, Before 30 Years Of Age.

They Said He Would Not Marry Or Have Children. Gary Has Two Beautiful Daughters Hollie & Jessica

holly and jessica


 


GARY SKYNER

Gary Skyner was the UK’s second thalidomide victim and in addition to being a comedian, he is an effective inspirational speaker.

He was featured in the highly esteemed BBC programme Thalidomide Life at Forty which traced how the three survivors confounded the doctors’ predictions and celebrated their successes and triumphs. Gary is married with two children. He has learned to fly, is a qualified advance level driver, a qualified Football Association Class 1 Referee and Coach and paralegal solicitor.

ACHIEVE THE IMPOSSIBLE

Real life traumas are turned into triumphs everyday. Gary Skyner's inspiring tale of triumph over tragedy will touch your heart and lift your spirits.
Born a victim of the deadly thalidomide drug, which was administered to expectant mothers in the 1960's, Gary's life was destined to be difficult and challenging, as the drug impaired his physical development.
Through determination, he has found success as a Comedian and has achieved a Law Degree.
He has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that any limitation, such as a physical disability, can be overcome. He changed and shaped his future by determination, perseverance and courage.

He believed in himself.

Gary's presentations are not your typical run of the mill motivational speech. There is no "go get 'em boys, climb that mountain, cross that finish line, slay the dragon, and get the pretty girl" scenarios. He deals with real life: not as a superstar, not as an athlete, not as a famous mountaineer or James Bond, but as a man who started out in life with one obstacle after another. Gary's session can include a 50minute presentation of his award nominated documentary.

With his comic flair, Gary will show you how to conquer fears, benefit from failures, change attitudes: your own and others'; learn to change limitations into opportunities, obstacles into challenges, and master your full capabilities. He is encouraging in the face of defeat and challenges the audience to learn to think differently, to live life with courage and passion, and achieve what would seem impossible.

Expect the unexpected, as he delivers key information in the most humorous way . His courage, self- motivation and humour will keep you listening for hours. Let him entertain you, touch your heart, and get the brain thinking in new directions, Gary delivers a powerful message, let the audience have fun and laugh, and walk away with a new way of thinking.

He has also become one of the UK’S most talked about comedians and has enjoyed a huge amount of success along the way with numerous prime time television & radio programmes including: Granada’s New Comedians , Jonathan Ross’s Big Big Talent Show , Kilroy , The James Whale Show , Good Morning , Stand & Deliver and The Time The Place to name a few.

Gary’s journey along the way has seen him perform in some major venues in the UK including Central Pier Blackpool , Inn on the Park Jersey , Mountford Hall Liverpool and the 2002 Barclaycard Premiership Football Awards where he received a Standing Ovation. Gary has also appeared at several international venues including The Inter Continental Hotel – Dubai.

COMMENTS

Gary's underlying message was that he had never allowed anyone or anything to stop him doing the things he really wanted to do. He engaged his audience from the start and addressed the issues for the young people: enabling the group to identify with the difficulties he had faced and overcome. Positive feedback was given by young people, carers and professionals alike. - South Tyneside Council Social Care and Health.

Thank you for your presentation at our Disability Awareness Day. I have now looked through the feedback received and find the words "inspiring", "informative" and "confident" on many of the completed forms. We asked the audience what learning points they took away from your presentation and they listed things such as the power of a positive mental attitude; never underestimating what you are capable of and realising that everyone is an individual. - Disability Communications manager, Nationwide Building Society.

Not only did you motivate our audience but also got our team thinking too. You showed with grit, determination, the will to succeed and above all a sense of humour, anything can be achieved. The true test of whether you were successful for us or not is whether we would book you again. I can say without hesitation - yes, in a heartbeat. Sales and Marketing Director, Conveyance Link.

Gary's show was well received. Through the course of his performance, the audience laughed, cried and were in awe of his achievements. Most importantly, they were motivated. If it moves one prisoner down the road to stopping re-offending and recognising his capabilities, it will have been worthwhile. - HM Prison Exeter.

You made the audience stop and think about life and what can be achieved with the right attitude and will strongly recommend you to other organisations. - North East CIPFA Student Society.

What can I say? Your talk at our Spring Bash was INSPIRATIONAL. What you have achieved is a testament to believing in yourself. The message you delivered was spot on. - The Reality Expansion Company.

If any company is looking for a message to get their employees thinking about going outside their comfort zone and challenging the obstacles that are a part of everyday life, I would definitely recommend Gary Skyner. - Air Products UK Marketing Manager.

 

A few kind words..

hello gary,

just thought i would email you to let you know that i really admire you for coming to newman today, you really inspired me and made me want to work harder for the things I want and things i want to achieve. Your stand up on the Jonathan Ross show had me in stitches!!

Im not expecting an email back, but you are an inspiration and im sure you have many people that are proud of you. Thanks for making my newman day a comical day!

Jordan (newman college first year)

 

Hi. I am a student at Cardinal Newman College in preston and would like to let you know how truly inspirational your speach was today. I work for a charity called Sue Ryder Care and work with people who have neurological diseases and can relate to some of the physical objects you have had to overcome during your life time,

i think you are an inspiration not to just thalidomide victims but to many of the disabled out there. I found your speach motivating, inspiring and most of all touching.
Thank you very much.
Laura Russ.