THE parents of a seven-year-old Newport boy who died after being infected with contaminated blood are leading calls to start legal proceedings against the Welsh Government.

Nearly 5,000 people were given blood contaminated with Hepatitis C and in some cases HIV during the 1970s and 80s in what was called the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS.

Colin Smith, the son of Janet and Colin Smith, from Alway, suffered from haemophilia – a genetic condition where blood does not clot properly. As part of his treatment he was given infected blood, contracted Hepatitis C and AIDs and later died.

The parents have backed calls for more support from the government including greater financial security for victims.

They called the £11 million Penrose inquiry into what happened – published in March last year – a “whitewash” and said more needs to be done.

Haemophilia Wales, the charity which supports haemophiliacs, has launched an online crowd funding campaign to raise funds for legal proceedings against the Welsh Government.

There is currently a Department of Health consultation into reforming the current system of financial payments but this only applies to England, meaning Welsh victims and their families have no say.

Haemophilia Wales wants a Wales specific consultation on how victims and families of the scandal can receive support. A scheme in Scotland has seen victims receiving increased financial support and the charity wants the same in Wales.

Lawyer Michael Imperato, of firm Watkins and Gunn which has an office in Pontypool, is leading the judicial review to demand a Wales-specific consultation.

Janet Smith said she and her husband are supporting the fundraising campaign, which has so far raised £1,160 of its £10,000 target.

Mrs Smith, who is currently suffering from ill health, said: “We are 100 per cent behind it. I will do all I can even though I’m very limited to what I can do at the moment.”

Lynne Kelly, chair of Haemophilia Wales, said: “Through no fault of their own, so many people have died and others have been condemned to a life time of ill health, being denied access to life assurance and mortgage protection for over 30 years.

“Partners and families who have had to give up work to care for their loved ones have lost their right to a family life and to their own careers, as well as having to live with their bereavement.

“So now we’re asking if the Welsh Government do more for these victims and follow the Scottish scheme on infected blood support.

“We aim to raise £10,000 through a crowd funding initiative, which will allow us to finance a judicial review into challenging the Welsh Government’s refusal to conduct a consultation in Wales.

“No amount of money could ever make up for the impact this tragedy has had on people’s lives, but let’s at least give victims and their families in Wales the right to have a say in the financial support that they so badly need.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The Department of Health public consultation on proposals for England provided the platform for those affected in Wales to have their say about how future provision should be provided.

"We are currently considering the outcome of the consultation and the views expressed in response from within Wales - to determine how future arrangements in Wales will be made.

“The health secretary met with Haemophilia Wales on July 6 to hear their concerns and agreed to meet with them again before any decisions are made for Wales.”