Thalidomide victims gain £3.4m to fight disability

VICTIMS of the thalidomide scandal will be given extra help through a £3.4 million fund announced by the Scottish Government yesterday.

The money will be spent over three years to alter homes and buy specialist equipment.

Pregnant women were prescribed the drug between 1958 and 1961 as a treatment for morning sickness or insomnia. It was withdrawn from sale after babies were born with limb deformities and other disabilities.

There are 55 known thalidomide survivors in Scotland who can benefit from the money pledged by ministers. The health secretary, Nicola Sturgeon, said yesterday: "Half a century later, the survivors of thalidomide are still battling against the disabilities the prescribing of the drug caused."

Liz Buckle, 49, a thalidomide victim who lives on the island of Lismore, near Oban, said: "As a Scottish thalidomider, I very much welcome the positive response from our government. They have acted with integrity.

"I look forward to working together with the Scottish Government to the benefit of thalidomiders and others."

The UK health minister, Mike O'Brien, announced a 20m fund last month, when he apologised for the scandal surrounding the drug's history.