A grieving disabled widower has been unable to bury his wife's ashes six months after her death from so-called Economy Class Syndrome, because he still owes money for her funeral.

United in grief - Andrew Harris with his sons Richard, 13, James, eight and Stephen, seven. Picture: LUAN MARSHALL 8DET75

Andrew Harris, 36, says also cannot afford the costs if he joins the other claims seeking compensation for air-related DVT.

Mr Harris's wife, Deborah, had complained of chest pains and breathing difficulties within days of the four-hour return flight from Tenerife last September.

She died on her 41st birthday after she developed deep vein thrombosis.

Mrs Harris was found collapsed at the foot of the stairs in the family's home in Wellington Avenue, Westcliff, seven days after the flight.

Mr Harris, who suffers from spondylitis, epilepsy and Raynaud's syndrome, said he desperately wanted to claim compensation for his wife's death so he could provide a secure future for the boys who were "robbed of their mother at such a young age".

He added: "But I also want to be able to buy a final resting place and memorial stone for Deborah's ashes."

Gerola Goldinger, a solicitor with Collins in Watford, who are handling air-related DVT claims, said the firm had been approached by about 500 people. A group litigation order was approved by the Lord Chief Justice earlier this month and particulars of claim have already been served.

She said: "It is difficult sometimes for individuals to afford, but we can find no easy way around it. It could run into thousands of pounds for each client."

Published Friday, March 22, 2002