In a powerful and emotional interview, Mark Ward, a survivor of the infected blood scandal that claimed thousands of lives, shares his relentless pursuit of truth and acknowledgement. At 55, Ward has defied the odds, living decades longer than doctors predicted after he was infected with HIV, hepatitis, and other viruses through contaminated blood products used to treat his haemophilia.
“I’ve Got This Far on Borrowed Time”
Ward’s journey began when he was just three years old, diagnosed with the rare bleeding disorder. In 1977, at age eight, he was switched to a new treatment called Factor VIII without his family’s consent. While it initially improved his quality of life, the change would soon prove catastrophic.
In 1984, during a routine hospital visit, Ward’s father was informed that his son had tested positive for HIV. The devastating news came with a chilling warning from doctors:
“We were told, the ‘blood of homosexuals’ had got into the treatment. The doctors said, don’t tell anyone; we can’t guarantee your safety.”
A Life Turned Upside Down
At just 14, Ward was given two to three years to live. The contaminated Factor VIII, imported from the US and often sourced from high-risk populations, had infected around 1,250 haemophiliacs with HIV, including 380 children. Less than 200 survive today.
Despite the unimaginable challenges, Ward chose to embrace life. He built a career in aviation, found love with his husband Richard, and became a vocal advocate for victims of the scandal. His book, “Bleeding Fabulous,” chronicles his experiences with wit and poignancy.
The Fight for Justice
In 2006, Ward joined the campaign group TaintedBlood, demanding answers and accountability. The road was long and fraught with obstacles, as successive governments attempted to cover up the scandal. Ward attended every session of the Infected Blood Inquiry, which concluded in 2022 after six years.
“I’ve been called a liar and an attention-seeker, a troublemaker and a bad patient, for asking questions that went ignored.”
– Mark Ward
The inquiry’s report was damning, confirming that the infections were avoidable and resulted from institutional failings. In November 2024, the government allocated £11.8bn in compensation for victims, a hard-fought victory for campaigners like Ward.
A Legacy of Resilience
Throughout his ordeal, Ward has maintained a remarkable positivity and zest for life. He’s defied medical predictions and continues to advocate for those affected by the scandal. His story serves as an inspiration, a testament to the indomitable human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
“At times I’ve wanted to scream, to cry, and be sick. But I was determined to prove them wrong. And we have, even if the money isn’t quite in our pockets yet: we got the inquiry. The apology. What was denied for decades has been proved, undeniably.”
– Mark Ward
As Ward looks to the future, he remains committed to securing justice for victims and ensuring that such a tragedy can never happen again. His unwavering courage and determination have made him a beacon of hope for the haemophiliac community and all those fighting for truth in the face of institutional wrongdoing.
