A GRIEVING pensioner is demanding an investigation into the sudden death of his disabled friend.

Derrick Clark, of Skipton, said he was unconvinced by the death certificate's claim that friend Doris Winterburn died from natural causes, namely breast cancer and heart disease, and that there were too many questions which were not being answered.

He said their nightmare began when 81-year-old Mrs Winterburn fell whilst on holiday in Italy. On July 18 doctors told them she had developed a blood clot on her leg and needed emergency surgery.

They booked a flight home immediately and a day after their return to Skipton, they called out the emergency doctor.

Mr Clark claimed he was told that the bruise and lump would go down. Unconvinced, he took wheelchair-bound Mrs Winterburn to Airedale Hospital, Steeton, and gave doctors the report from the Italian medics.

He said that Mrs Winterburn was sent home and given a number to ring if the pain got any worse. After a couple of uncomfortable days at home, Mrs Winterburn went to Fisher Medical Centre and from there was sent to Skipton General Hospital for an x-ray.

Just minutes after getting back into the car Mrs Winterburn collapsed and died - 12 days after Italian doctors said she needed emergency surgery.

"Her head fell forward. The doctor pronounced her dead, and said it was quick. She did not suffer - a matter of five seconds and it was all over. I honestly couldn't believe it was true, I still can't believe it," said Mr Clark.

Two days later a distraught Mr Clark phoned the coroner's office to find out what would happen next. He was told that there would be no post mortem examination as Mrs Winterburn had died of natural causes.

He still refused to conduct a post mortem when he learnt of the Italian medical report.

Coroner Geoff Fell told the Herald he was satisfied that Mrs Winterburn died of natural causes. He said the GP was well aware of her medical problems and that the GP had spoken to the consultant Airedale who was satisfied there was no blood clot.

The death certificate cites breast cancer and heart disease as the cause of death. But, Mr Clark said he was under the impression that Mrs Winterburn had never had any problems with her heart. She saw doctors in January, who said her heart was in good condition.

He also added that before their holiday doctors at St Luke's Hospital, Bradford, had said the lump in her breast was not getting any bigger and that they were happy with the results of the medication she was taking.

Mr Clark met Mrs Winterburn in Bradford four years ago. He brought her to Craven and promised to look after her as her carer. She was in a wheelchair as she only had one leg, had glaucoma and breast cancer. They lived in Gargrave for a year before moving to Skipton.

Mr Clark has been back to Airedale to speak to doctors and a consultant about Mrs Winterburn's care.

He is demanding to know why Airedale Hospital did not act on the report from Italian doctors and keep her in hospital any longer. He also wants to know why she was not sent for an x-ray then, and why no post mortem was carried out

Peter Warburton from Airedale Hospital said he was unable to discuss an individual patient's care with the press and advised that Mr Clark contacted him directly.

The funeral was held last Thursday.