THE widow of a man who died last year after coming into contact with contaminated blood says she is still waiting for justice.

Ann Dorricott's husband, Mike, died from liver cancer caused by hepatitis C that he contracted after undergoing routine dental surgery in 1983.

Now, Mrs Dorricott, who lives in Sedbergh, and her family, along with hundreds of others involved in the 'Contaminated Blood Campaign' are hoping that the government will offer what they deem to be adequate financial support for those affected.

The government have just finished a consultation process, with MPs having recently debated what support Mrs Dorricott and others should receive.

The Contaminated Blood Campaign group staged a protest in London on the day of the debate, with well over 200 people attending to show their support.

However, for Mrs Dorricott, who is having to sell her home as it has become unaffordable, the campaign work can sometimes be frustrating and emotionally draining.

"Some days I cannot cope with the campaign thing," Mrs Dorricott said. "We need to move on.

"It's only been a year since my husband passed away and it still feels quite raw."

Despite this, Mrs Dorricott continues to fight, much like her husband had done before he died, but has been frustrated with the lack of support that politicians have shown to her.

The campaigners are hoping that the government will offer the same financial support as is currently being received in Scotland, where those with HIV and advanced hepatitis C receive an annual payment of £37,000 and bereaved partners continue to receive 75 per cent of their annual payment.

Before moving to Sedbergh, the couple lived in Jeremy Hunt's constituency, and although Mrs Dorricott states that he was initially very responsive, he has not fulfilled his promises to stand up for the contaminated blood victims.

"My husband was in touch with Jeremy Hunt quite often," she said. "We have not heard anything from him since his death."

In response to Mrs Dorricott, Mr Hunt commended her husband's efforts to raise awareness for the cause.

"Mike Dorricott was a wonderful and inspiring man who helped me to understand the terrible tragedy of what happened when people were infected with contaminated blood through absolutely no fault of their own," he said. "Because of Mr. Dorricott’s many conversations with me I made sure we allocated an additional £100m to help resolve the issues - although I am aware that for many people that will never be enough.

"However, when we announce the results of the consultation I hope we will be able to use the money in a way that is most effective at relieving sadness and suffering."

Similarly, since moving to Sedbergh, she feels like MP Tim Farron has not supported the family, saying he has not been 'very helpful'.

Mr Farron, claims that this is not the case and the government's response has been 'deplorable'.

"This issue has been allowed to drag on for far too long," he said. "I will continue to fight for full and fair compensation payments for all victims.

"Those who have been affected by this through no fault of their own deserve to be treated fairly."

The consultation ended in April, with campaigners now waiting 12 weeks to hear the outcome.