Family seeks justice for dead son

Pam Cummings has fought for two years for action to be taken against the medical staff she believes failed to save the life of her son Chris Rochester, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

Earlier this year three doctors and two nurses were accused of homicide as a result of negligence in connection with his death and his family are now preparing to fly out to Rhodes, where the court case begins on September 18.

Christopher Rochester, 24, died in Rhodes Hospital in June 2000 after falling 40ft from a balcony. An inquest into his death held in Durham City recorded a verdict of accidental death, contributed to by neglect from medical staff at Rhodes Hospital.

The inquest heard how Christopher had suffered a fractured pelvis, but he was not given an examination when he was taken to hospital by ambulance. It also emerged it took 40 minutes for an ambulance to arrive and Mr Rochester was 'bumped around' while awaiting treatment.

Mr Rochester's family need to raise thousands of pounds in legal costs to take their battle to court.

Christopher's stepfather George Cummings said: "We have a Greek solicitor in Athens and her agent is in Rhodes and someone has to pay for her flights and costs.

"So basically we need to raise as much as we possibly can. If we get justice for Chris our family battle is completed.

"Any extra money in the trust will be distributed to other local charities."

The fundraising starts on Saturday with a sponsored leg wax outside the Lambton Arms Hotel on Chester-le-Street's Front Street.

About 16 men have volunteered and the task will be carried out by Lookswell Beauty Salon based in Birtley.

On September 1 a bungee jump from a 160ft crane has been organised at the Ropery Lane cricket ground in Chester-le-Street.

So far 55 people have signed up for the challenge and the family are aiming to get 100 people taking part to raise money. Anyone looking to take part should contact Pam or George Cummings on 0191-3883769.