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Post by cammy on Jun 17, 2009 14:50:12 GMT 1
WWII veteran dies after hunger strike D-Day hero starved himself in care-home protest
Published: 12 June 2009
A World War II veteran – who spent the past five months in a care home – has died after going on hunger strike.
Alfred Tonkin, who lost a leg during the D-Day landings, starved himself to protest against the way social services handled his case after he developed a blood disorder late last year.
Mr Tonkin wanted to be sent home, so he could be reunited with his wife of 68 years, Joyce. However, social services refused to discharge him from the care home until suitable home care had been arranged.
Distressed by the delays, Mr Tonkin stopped eating and drinking, causing him to lose four stone. He was finally admitted into hospital on 31 May suffering with severe malnourishment and dehydration. He died three days later.
Mr Tonkin’s son, Ian, said: “I am so angry that a man who lost his leg in the service of his country should be treated so shabbily when he finally needed the system to help him.”
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Post by Frenchie on Jun 17, 2009 16:15:40 GMT 1
Jeez, what were the care workers doing all the time he was losing that four stone? Someone should be strung up for this.
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bigstevie
Kingsman
Honorary Member
Posts: 197
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Post by bigstevie on Jun 17, 2009 22:44:15 GMT 1
I hope that his name is burned into their memory. It's clear that 'care' is about giving as little as possible.
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