It was a moment which Dougie Hern always hoped to live to see.
The Aged Veterans’ Fund, which will enable payments to projects of benefit to the nuclear test veteran community, was officially launched last week.
Dougie (79), of Moulton, is a Christmas Island test veteran and has been a leading light in a long campaign calling for the plight of veterans and their descendants to be recognised.
He said: “It’s something that we have managed to get as individuals, like myself, campaigning.
“I can’t disclose the amounts that we can work to.
“It’s not money as a compensation settlement; it’s by need, not entitlement.
“We can put in for monies each year.”
Over ten years of testing, it is thought that as many as 22,500 personnel could have been exposed to conditions hazardous to health. It is generally accepted that thousands of serious health problems to emerge in the veterans, their children and even their grandchildren could be linked to the effects of the testing.
Dougie and wife Sandie lost youngest daughter Jill to a rare form of cancer at the age of 13 and Dougie has also suffered health problems.
The benevolent fund was announced in last year’s Spring budget and the ex-gratia payments can now begin. A first portfolio of recipients has been agreed.
A relieved Dougie said: “Projects have been approved and finance has been allocated.
“Veterans can now take advantage provided they qualify.”
Prime Minister David Cameron said: “I am incredibly pleased that money from the Aged Veterans’ Fund has been allocate to support our nuclear test veterans.
“We should all be grateful for the extraordinary service of those who particiupated in the UK’s nuclear testing programme, and the sacrifices they made to ensure our country could effectively defend itself during the Cold War and into the present day.”
Ex-Royal Navy cook Dougie flew to Christmas Island off the coast of Australia on his 21st birthday in 1957. In the 12 months he was there he witnessed five major weapons tests including hydrogen bombs Grapple X and Z.
The lead MP in the establishment of the fund was John Baron. Dougie has also paid tribute to South Holland and the Deepings MP John Hayes, who has long championed the veteran’s campaigning.
Dougie and Sandie have been invited to Norway in June, when Dougie will give a talk on his experiences and research to Amnesty International and ICAN (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons).
