Gary ends hunger strike at party celebration

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By Louisa Collington & Chloe Garfoot, JMU Journalism TV

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Gary Skyner kisses mum Frances as he celebrate his 50th; YouTube: JMU Journalism TV reports

Shorthand Sue

As he celebrated his 50th birthday, Gary Skyner ended his hunger strike over government policy on Thalidomide care after 42 days.

Laughs were a-plenty at Carnatic House on Friday as guests congratulated the comedian on two things: his determination and his age.

A Thalidomide victim, Gary has been campaigning for more funding for those affected by the drug administered to pregnant women in the 50s and 60s. This particular protest saw Aigburth man Gary live off nothing but coffee, diluted stock cubes and fruit supplement ‘monavie’ for more than a month.

His protest throughout October and November has caused him to break out in spots, develop ulcers and lose over two stone in weight, so on Friday night he gave in to his hunger and called the whole thing off, though he was not well enough to feast when his protest ended.

He said: “It’s been worthwhile, I think. It’s been a struggle but I’m glad that I did it. I think on Thursday the government are going to do the right thing, so as a result of that, I’ve decided to call it a day when it comes to denying myself food.”

More than 400 people were invited to the bash which saw old school friends, football team mates and many others gather together in a celebration of his life and his battling spirit.

Around 10,000 babies were born with disabilities as a result of their mothers taking the Thalidomide drug and there are now only 456 still alive in the UK, so Gary counts himself as fortunate.

He said: “I was one of the very, very lucky ones. I’m fighting for the people who have got no arms and no legs. It’s a terrible situation.”

Each guest had their picture taken on arrival with a free welcome drink, and then another photograph was taken with Gary for the family album.

A buffet of sandwiches and other nibbles was laid on for guests as a Lionel Richie tribute act provided the entertainment. When the buffet was available, despite all the anticipation, Gary could only stomach three pieces of pork pie because his body wasn’t used to taking solids.

Alan Bates is a friend of Gary’s and organised the party. He said: “It’s a great pleasure. Gary and I go back many, many years. We worked together on stage in Manchester in 1995 and we’ve been firm friends ever since. I think he’s a star, I’ve got to know the real Gary Skyner and he is an amazing character and I stand behind him 100%.”

Gary made a speech thanking his family and friends for sticking by him throughout his protest and brought his mother Frances up on stage to present her with flowers. Mum Frances, 73 and also from Aigburth, went on hunger strike with Gary but was forced to eat through deteriorating health.

In a meeting on Thursday with Mike O’Brien, Minister of State for the Department of Health, a decision will be made as to how much funding the government will provide for those affected by Thalidomide. Currently, the company who supplied the drug, Diageo, contribute £8.5m to the fund each year and Gary was pressing for the government to do the same.