NSW: Hardie campaigner Banton taken gravely ill

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2007
NSW: Hardie campaigner Banton taken gravely ill

The face of asbestos victims in the campaign against building materials giant James
Hardie is gravely ill in hospital.

BERNIE BANTON says he's been stricken by Peritoneal Mesothelioma .. a type of cancer
that attacks the lining of the abdomen .. caused by exposure to asbestos.

Mr BANTON says he plans to sue James Hardie for further compensation .. for the deterioration
of his health .. from the fund for victims of asbestos-related diseases he fought to establish.

In a statement .. Mr BANTON says he'll fight them to his dying breath to ensure his
family is OK .. but he also intends fighting pretty hard to live.

Mr BANTON will hold a media conference at Sydney's Concord Hospital at 11 o'clock this
morning (AEST).

AAP RTV sk/jlw/psm/

KEYWORD: BANTON (SYDNEY)

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