A firefighter with terminal cancer is fighting to ensure colleagues receive potentially life-saving health screenings. Martin Green was given the devastating news that he has incurable prostate cancer after 30 years’ service with the London Fire Brigade, the Mirror reports.
The 63-year-old, who has been given just one year to live, said the disease was caused by the career he dedicated his life to. But added: “You don’t expect to pay the ultimate price.”
Martin, who was diagnosed in 2018, said the worst part was having to tell his then-12-year-old girl, Tabby. The retired dad-of-three, who is currently receiving palliative care, is now calling on the UK Government to pay out compensation to firefighters who are seriously ill.
Martin, from Shepperton in Surrey, said: “I’ve lost dozens of friends in the fire service. But it’s not just from cancer, it is strokes and heart attacks too.”
He spoke of his anger over the news that 12 firefighters who attended the Grenfell Tower fire have been diagnosed with terminal cancer after being exposed to contaminants. The tragedy in Kensington, West London, claimed the lives of 72 residents in 2017, sending shockwaves across the UK.
Martin, who saved a driver’s life in 1987, gave evidence to a Commons committee last month and has set up a petition for firefighter payouts, which has gained more than 100,000 signatures.
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