A NORTH West Euro-MP has championed the fight to urge the EU to raise public awareness of travel related blood clots among British travellers.

Labour MEP, Arlene McCarthy, claims millions are being "denied critical health information" warning of the risk posed by deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on short and long haul flights.

Arlene and campaigners, Ruth Christoffersen and Brenda Wilson, presented members of the European Parliament's Petitions Committee with a signed petition in Brussels on Wednesday, January 21.

Together they are calling upon the EU to provide mandatory DVT health information to be offered with current in-flight safety briefings alongside a list of preventative measures.

Arlene said: "This is a very real, very concerning condition which affects thousands of people and the results can be devastating.

"Each year millions worldwide are being denied critical health information relating to DVT because institutions like the EU do not warn of the dangers of travel related blood clots.

"The European Commission must fulfil its Treaty obligation to maintain high standards of public health, and take urgent action to educate the public about possible health risks from DVT.

"We're not talking about rocket science here. Just for there to be more information about blood clot related conditions to made available to travellers.

"Not many people know that taking aspirin, wiggling your toes or wearing flight socks can save lives. Let's give people that information so they can make an informed choice. We also need people to take it upon themselves to urge their doctors to test them to see if they are susceptible to the condition so they can avoid risking their lives every time they travel."

Arlene has supported the campaign for more DVT awareness since meeting Victims of Air Related DVT Association (VARDA) campaigner, Brenda Wilson, three years ago. North West-based Brenda began campaigning following the death of her son, Neil, 32, who died of a DVT-related condition following a short family holiday to Benidorm in 2001. The petition was presented to the Committee on the anniversary of Neil's death.

Brenda said: "Neil was fit and healthy and looking forward to a family holiday. Nine hours after leaving Manchester, he was dead. It was his son Liam who couldn't wake his daddy, he has to live with that for the rest of his life."

"How many times does this have to happen to families before passenger health rights are taken seriously?"