Why politicians should support Private Dave Tatlock

By Malcolm Clarke

UPDATE: Representatives from Abacus have now responded in the comments, and the article on which this post was based has now been linked to from here.

Two years ago, a young man from 2 Para regiment, Private Dave Tatlock, had his life changed forever by shrapnel in his spine, after an Apache helicopter mistakenly opened fire on British troops. With the injuries he sustained, it was thought Dave would never have walked again, but he fought hard and manages to get around with a crutch even though his calf muscles do not function and he will never again have feelings in his left foot.

Dave was selected to carry the Carling Cup onto the Wembley pitch in February, and practised for two weeks to be able to walk unaided with the cup. He managed to do it without the crutch and was proud not to fall. Millions of fans were touched by his bravery. It is amazing he managed to walk unaided, but do not for a minute think this means he can lead a normal life. Tragically for Dave, he cannot.

One viewer of was reportedly from Abacus, the insurance giant that Dave claimed £25,000 from as a result of his injuries. Considering he was 18 when the injury occurred, this is scant compensation for a promising army career cut hugely short. This Abacus worker apparently went into work the next day and cancelled Dave’s claim as, thanks to his appearance on television, he had been seen to have walked unaided. We all know that insurance companies do whatever it takes to avoid paying out, but this is ridiculous.

This young man was seriously injured fighting for his country. I would like to see this matter taken up by politicians. I do not doubt that Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg are all sincere i their condolences when a soldier is lost, but they also need to help out those left alive but permanently affected by the injuries they have suffered. Dave Tatlock’s claim must be upheld. Here is a young man for whom walking is not a sign that he is healed, but a sign of massive courage.

There is one more PMQ’s in this parliament and someone needs to put on the record that claims relating to troops and their injuries should be more carefully and respectfully assessed. Abacus may have a business to run but they need to realise the true impact of some of the terrible injuries suffered by our troops – and maintain some professional integrity. Dave deserves his money and all of our thanks for his courage and efforts in Afghanistan. I hope he gets his compensation.