{"id":176635,"date":"2025-06-11T21:03:16","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T21:03:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/176635\/"},"modified":"2025-06-11T21:03:16","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T21:03:16","slug":"brave-mums-fighting-scandal-bigger-than-thalidomide-land-pride-of-britain-nomination","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/176635\/","title":{"rendered":"Brave mums fighting scandal ‘bigger than thalidomide’ land Pride of Britain nomination"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Mirror spoke to the two mums at the heart of a campaign for compensation for victims of an epilepsy drug that caused up to 20,000 children to be born with birth defects<\/p>\n

17:09, 11 Jun 2025Updated 19:49, 11 Jun 2025<\/p>\n

\"twoJanet Williams MBE and Emma Murphy both have children affected by exposure to the anti-seizure medication sodium valproate during pregnancy<\/p>\n

Two mothers who have been fighting a scandal even bigger than thalidomide say they are \u201cshocked\u201d to be nominated for a Pride of Britain<\/a> award.<\/p>\n

Mums Janet Williams and Emma Murphy have been campaigning for years for compensation for victims of an epilepsy <\/a>drug that caused up to 20,000 children to be born with birth defects.<\/p>\n

Among tens of thousands of remarkable individuals and groups who have received nominations, they were delighted to hear they had been nominated by a member of the public.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt makes all the work we have been doing for the past 12 years worthwhile,\u201d says Janet, 60, from Pilling, Lancashire<\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s the first time anything like this has happened to be quite truthful with you. Emma and I are both sat here in shock at the news.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AEmma and Janet are both shocked to be nominated<\/p>\n

The news that they had been put forward for this year\u2019s Special Recognition category at Pride of Britain with P&O Cruises was delivered as the two campaigners, Janet and Emma, 44, from Manchester<\/a>, were on their way to London for a meeting with MPs to get a response to their claim for compensation.<\/p>\n

They both have epilepsy and were prescribed sodium valproate throughout their pregnancies, having been told by doctors that it was safe to keep taking. The pair set up In-Fact (the Independent Fetal Anti Convulsant Trust) in 2012, to find and support families like theirs. Both have children who have been affected by exposure to the drug.<\/p>\n

Sodium valproate has been licensed since 1973 to treat epilepsy, but as early as the 1980s reports of babies being born with deformities to mothers taking it began to surface.<\/p>\n

\"AMany lives has been affected by foetal valproate spectrum disorder (F.V.S.D) <\/p>\n

Up to 20,000 people have been affected by what is now known as foetal valproate spectrum disorder (F.V.S.D) which can result in physical malformations, autism and developmental delays.<\/p>\n

Their campaign led to a report published in February 2024 by England\u2019s patient safety commissioner, Dr Henrietta Hughes, which recommended a compensation scheme for families of children harmed by valproate taken in pregnancy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Hughes has suggested initial payments of \u00a3100,000 and described the damage caused by the drug as \u201ca bigger scandal than thalidomide\u201d.<\/p>\n

However, their campaign for redress has stalled. Janet says: \u201cWe felt we were at the cusp of a victory but the government kept putting it off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AThe issue has been dubbed a ‘bigger scandal than thalidomide’<\/p>\n

Now Janet and Emma are expecting action from the government. \u201cWe\u2019re hoping about 20 MPs come to the round table meeting so we can talk to them about the Hughes report and get a response.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve waited around 16 months now so it\u2019s really time to push on forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we hope that along with the compensation, one of the results of the meeting is that an amendment will be made to the mental health bill to include the needs of disabled persons, whose disabilities were caused as a result of their mother taking the anticonvulsant drug during pregnancy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Previous awards in this category have gone to the NHS<\/a> infected blood scandal, the Post Office and Hillsborough Family Support Group.<\/p>\n

\"peoplePride of Britain hosts, Ashley Banjo, Carol Vorderman and Jeff Brazier launching the 2025 Pride of Britain award nominations(Image: Rowan Griffiths \/ Daily Mirror)<\/p>\n

Last year campaigners Michelle Tolley, Andy Evans and Jason Evans were rewarded for their tireless work on behalf of relatives and victims of the biggest scandal in NHS history, which left 30,000 people infected with HIV and Hepatitis C after being treated with contaminated blood and blood products.<\/p>\n

In 2023, Alan Bates won the Pride of Britain Special Recognition Award for exposing the truth about the Post Office scandal, and getting justice for sub postmasters whose lives it destroyed, while Margaret Aspinall, who lost her son James at Hillsborough, accepted an award on behalf of all the families in 2013.<\/p>\n

Do you know a campaign that has gone above and beyond to help others? If you do, please consider nominating them for a Pride of Britain award.<\/p>\n

\"TwoPlease consider nominating for a Pride of Britain award(Image: Rowan Griffiths \/ Daily Mirror)<\/p>\n

How to nominate<\/strong><\/p>\n

Campaigns that change the world<\/a> are at the heart of Pride of Britain, and over the past 26 years, some truly dedicated work by community-minded people have inspired the nation.<\/p>\n

If you know a campaign that deserves an award, like the previous winners on this page, you can nominate them for:<\/p>\n

SPECIAL RECOGNITION<\/strong><\/p>\n

For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of armed forces<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"APride of Britain winners at the launch(Image: Rowan Griffiths \/ Daily Mirror)<\/p>\n

P&O CRUISES INSPIRATION AWARD<\/strong><\/p>\n

Celebrating a remarkable individual or group who inspires everyone around them, or the wider world,with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey to achieve, or overcome adversity. They may deserve recognition for an extraordinary reaction to a defining or pivotal moment, or perhaps their actions have had an extraordinary impact.<\/p>\n

ITV FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR<\/strong><\/p>\n

For tireless and inspirational charity fundraising, open to people aged 18 and over.<\/p>\n

GOOD MORNING BRITAIN YOUNG FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR<\/strong><\/p>\n

To reward a young person aged 17 and under for inspirational charity work.<\/p>\n

THIS MORNING LOCAL HERO<\/strong><\/p>\n

For an individual or group that goes to remarkable lengths to help people around them in their local area.<\/p>\n

\"PeopleThe Pride of Britain hosts with previous winners (Image: Rowan Griffiths \/ Daily Mirror)<\/p>\n

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n

To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale.<\/p>\n

EMERGENCY SERVICES AWARD<\/strong><\/p>\n

For police, fire, ambulance, paramedics or air, sea or mountain rescue who have gone beyond the call of duty.<\/p>\n

OUTSTANDING BRAVERY<\/strong><\/p>\n

For adults who risk their own safety to help others who are in danger.<\/p>\n

CHILD\/TEENAGER OF COURAGE<\/strong><\/p>\n

For battling against the odds to help others, or a courageous act to save someone in danger.<\/p>\n

SPECIAL RECOGNITION<\/strong><\/p>\n

For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of armed forces.<\/p>\n

Do you know a remarkable person who makes the world a better place? It only takes a minute to nominate them at prideofbritain.com<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t worry if you\u2019re not sure which category to choose \u2013 our team reads every nomination and will make sure all nominees are considered for the most appropriate award.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Pride of Britain team will consider every nomination, before compiling a shortlist for the judging panel. Nominate now at prideofbritain.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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