MP welcomes DVT research backing

Deep vein thrombosis can be caused by immobility

A leading campaigner for research into cases of "economy class syndrome" on long-haul flights has welcomed the government's support for further research.

Vale of Glamorgan MP John Smith asked Transport Minister John Spellar in a written question to back efforts to prevent further cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on flights.

Noel Willbourne: Parents feared for son's health

Mr Smith had highlighted the death of 28-year-old Alayne Wake over Christmas returning from Singapore.

Mr Wake's death was the latest of more than 40 known cases of DVT.

In response to Mr Smith, Mr Spellar acknowledged the UK government would participate in a worldwide study into DVT cases, but stopped short of announcing a separate inquiry in Britain.

"The government is aware of the tragic death of Alayne Wake and agrees that there is a need to investigate the incidence, extent and causation of deep vein thrombosis among air travellers," said Mr Spellar.

"The government is planning to participate in the study being set up by the World Health Organisation that will cover these issues," Mr Spellar added.

John Smith MP has campaigned for wider awareness

But Mr Smith said he would continue to press for a UK public inquiry, as the remit of the WHO study may not go far enough, he claimed.

"Over 38m people fly abroad from Britain every year and some estimates suggest as many as one in 10 of these develop potentially life-threatening blood clots in their lower legs," said Mr Smith.

In November, the parents of injured Welsh adventurer Noel Willbourne, 20, from Newport, south east Wales, were anxious about the risks of DVT.

The Willbournes had wanted to fly home their son from New Zealand, but feared the risks of a clot developing were too great.

Emma Christoffersen died after a long-haul flight to Australia

A number of long-haul airline passengers from Wales have died from DVT clots, including Emma Christoffersen, from Newport, Susan Mavir-Ross from Llay in Wrexham, Thomas Lamb, 68, from Cardiff, and 30-year-old police officer John Thomas from Cowbridge.

Ms Christoffersen's mother Ruth is now part of an action campaign to highlight awareness of the risks from DVT.

Fatal risk

Medical research has shown that clots develop in blood vessels deep in the legs when circulation slows - when people remain seated for long periods, for example.

The clots can prove fatal if they break off and are carried to the lungs, blocking the flow of blood.

Several medical reports have claimed a link between DVT and air travel.

It is the subject of a number of lawsuits against British airlines.