Mums fighting scandal 'bigger than thalidomide' up for Pride of Britain award
The Mirror spoke to the two mums at the heart of a campaign for compensation for victims of an epilepsy drug that caused up to 20,000 children to be born with birth defects
Two mothers who have been fighting a scandal even bigger than thalidomide say they are 'shocked' to be nominated for a Pride of Britain award.
Mums Janet Williams and Emma Murphy have been campaigning for years for compensation for victims of an epilepsy drug that caused up to 20,000 children to be born with birth defects.
Among tens of thousands of remarkable individuals and groups who have received nominations, they were delighted to hear they had been nominated by a member of the public.
'It makes all the work we have been doing for the past 12 years worthwhile,' says Janet, 60, from Pilling, Lancashire. 'It's the first time anything like this has happened to be quite truthful with you. Emma and I are both sat here in shock at the news.'
The news that they had been put forward for this year's Special Recognition category at Pride of Britain with P&O Cruises was delivered as the two campaigners, Janet and Emma, 44, from Manchester, were on their way to London for a meeting with MPs to get a response to their claim for compensation.
They both have epilepsy and were prescribed sodium valproate throughout their pregnancies, having been told by doctors that it was safe to keep taking. The pair set up In-Fact (the Independent Fetal Anti Convulsant Trust) in 2012, to find and support families like theirs. Both have children who have been affected by exposure to the drug.
Sodium valproate has been licensed since 1973 to treat epilepsy, but as early as the 1980s reports of babies being born with deformities to mothers taking it began to surface.
Up to 20,000 people have been affected by what is now known as foetal valproate spectrum disorder (F.V.S.D) which can result in physical malformations, autism and developmental delays.
Their campaign led to a report published in February 2024 by England's patient safety commissioner, Dr Henrietta Hughes, which recommended a compensation scheme for families of children harmed by valproate taken in pregnancy.
Hughes has suggested initial payments of £100,000 and described the damage caused by the drug as 'a bigger scandal than thalidomide'.
However, their campaign for redress has stalled. Janet says: 'We felt we were at the cusp of a victory but the government kept putting it off.'
Now Janet and Emma are expecting action from the government. 'We're hoping about 20 MPs come to the round table meeting so we can talk to them about the Hughes report and get a response.
'We've waited around 16 months now so it's really time to push on forward.
'And we hope that along with the compensation, one of the results of the meeting is that an amendment will be made to the mental health bill to include the needs of disabled persons, whose disabilities were caused as a result of their mother taking the anticonvulsant drug during pregnancy.'
Previous awards in this category have gone to the NHS infected blood scandal, the Post Office and Hillsborough Family Support Group.
Last year campaigners Michelle Tolley, Andy Evans and Jason Evans were rewarded for their tireless work on behalf of relatives and victims of the biggest scandal in NHS history, which left 30,000 people infected with HIV and Hepatitis C after being treated with contaminated blood and blood products.
In 2023, Alan Bates won the Pride of Britain Special Recognition Award for exposing the truth about the Post Office scandal, and getting justice for sub postmasters whose lives it destroyed, while Margaret Aspinall, who lost her son James at Hillsborough, accepted an award on behalf of all the families in 2013.
Do you know a campaign that has gone above and beyond to help others? If you do, please consider nominating them for a Pride of Britain award.
How to nominate
Campaigns that change the world are at the heart of Pride of Britain, and over the past 26 years, some truly dedicated work by community-minded people have inspired the nation.
If you know a campaign that deserves an award, like the previous winners on this page, you can nominate them for:
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of armed forces.
P&O CRUISES INSPIRATION AWARD
Celebrating a remarkable individual or group who inspires everyone around them, or the wider world,with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey to achieve, or overcome adversity. They may deserve recognition for an extraordinary reaction to a defining or pivotal moment, or perhaps their actions have had an extraordinary impact.
ITV FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR
For tireless and inspirational charity fundraising, open to people aged 18 and over.
To reward a young person aged 17 and under for inspirational charity work.
THIS MORNING LOCAL HERO
For an individual or group that goes to remarkable lengths to help people around them in their local area.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale.
EMERGENCY SERVICES AWARD
For police, fire, ambulance, paramedics or air, sea or mountain rescue who have gone beyond the call of duty.
OUTSTANDING BRAVERY
For adults who risk their own safety to help others who are in danger.
For battling against the odds to help others, or a courageous act to save someone in danger.
For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of armed forces.
Do you know a remarkable person who makes the world a better place? It only takes a minute to nominate them at prideofbritain.com.
Don't worry if you're not sure which category to choose – our team reads every nomination and will make sure all nominees are considered for the most appropriate award.
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Their campaign led to a report published in February 2024 by England's patient safety commissioner, Dr Henrietta Hughes, which recommended a compensation scheme for families of children harmed by valproate taken in pregnancy. Hughes has suggested initial payments of £100,000 and described the damage caused by the drug as 'a bigger scandal than thalidomide'. However, their campaign for redress has stalled. Janet says: 'We felt we were at the cusp of a victory but the government kept putting it off.' Now Janet and Emma are expecting action from the government. 'We're hoping about 20 MPs come to the round table meeting so we can talk to them about the Hughes report and get a response. 'We've waited around 16 months now so it's really time to push on forward. 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In 2023, Alan Bates won the Pride of Britain Special Recognition Award for exposing the truth about the Post Office scandal, and getting justice for sub postmasters whose lives it destroyed, while Margaret Aspinall, who lost her son James at Hillsborough, accepted an award on behalf of all the families in 2013. Do you know a campaign that has gone above and beyond to help others? If you do, please consider nominating them for a Pride of Britain award. How to nominate Campaigns that change the world are at the heart of Pride of Britain, and over the past 26 years, some truly dedicated work by community-minded people have inspired the nation. If you know a campaign that deserves an award, like the previous winners on this page, you can nominate them for: SPECIAL RECOGNITION For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of armed forces. P&O CRUISES INSPIRATION AWARD Celebrating a remarkable individual or group who inspires everyone around them, or the wider world,with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey to achieve, or overcome adversity. They may deserve recognition for an extraordinary reaction to a defining or pivotal moment, or perhaps their actions have had an extraordinary impact. ITV FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR For tireless and inspirational charity fundraising, open to people aged 18 and over. To reward a young person aged 17 and under for inspirational charity work. THIS MORNING LOCAL HERO For an individual or group that goes to remarkable lengths to help people around them in their local area. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale. EMERGENCY SERVICES AWARD For police, fire, ambulance, paramedics or air, sea or mountain rescue who have gone beyond the call of duty. OUTSTANDING BRAVERY For adults who risk their own safety to help others who are in danger. For battling against the odds to help others, or a courageous act to save someone in danger. For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of armed forces. Do you know a remarkable person who makes the world a better place? It only takes a minute to nominate them at Don't worry if you're not sure which category to choose – our team reads every nomination and will make sure all nominees are considered for the most appropriate award.
