Ipswich infected blood victim’s 40-year campaign for justice

“This wasn’t an accident what happened to us,” Mr Burgess said, prior to the report findings being released.

“It means the end of me writing letters to Prime Ministers, seeing MPs, countless trips to Parliament which is exhausting when you’re trying to fight two viruses.

“But it won’t mean an end to anything health wise.”

Mr Burgess said his diagnosis completely changed his life and how he had to close down his painting and decorating business.

“You’ve got a grown man with a family, having to live off benefits and charity – I felt like all my dignity had been stripped from me,” he explained.

“No man should be made to do that through no fault of his own.”

At one point, Mr Burgess said he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital as his mental health deteriorated.

“I met all these lads in a campaign support group but they were dying,” he added.

“That wasn’t natural for that to happen – a chap in your 30s going to funerals and thinking when is my time coming.”