THE widow of a major blood scandal victim who lost his fight for life this week, said her brave and caring husband was "murdered" in the NHS disaster.

Ron Venton has died aged 70 of liver cancer directly linked to the hepatitis he contracted through infected blood.

The Devonport father of one was among 4,670 haemophiliacs given hepatitis C through contaminated plasma in the 1970s and 1980s. More than 2,000 have died.

His devastated widow and friends have pledged to carry on his decade-long battle for justice and compensation for victims and their families.

An independent review called the blunder "an horrific human tragedy" and recommended increased payouts for those affected.

The disaster is due to be debated in Parliament once again tomorrow.

Irena Venton, aged 64, said: "I miss him terribly. In my mind he was murdered.

"It has killed him. It's not his haemophilia that lead to his cancer, but his hepatitis C.

"He fought and he fought. He said he would never give up, but in the end his body gave up. It was too much for him.

"The only compensation we have now is that he is no longer in pain."

Ron died late on Tuesday night at a Plymouth care home where he had spent his final weeks.

Irena, who has chronic arthritis, said his health had rapidly deteriorated in recent months and she could no longer care for him at their home.

She did not tell him about last week's House of Commons debate, at which the Government rejected a plea to increase payments for victims.

"He was suffering so much, if I told him that it would have been an absolute insult," she said.

"I feel angry and bitter. While they hold off people are dying.

"I will help campaign in whatever way I can. I will continue to fight. I still want to see an apology, compensation for the remaining victims and for their families."

The couple received £20,000 compensation, which they used to modify their house so he could remain at home, but had been faced with constant money worries.

Irena paid tribute to her husband of 25 years.

They met in London 28 years ago after her father introduced them. Ron was an accountant, although he later had to abandon his practice due to insurance problems over his health.

Irena said Ron, who was born in Plymouth, was a brave campaigner, caring husband and proud father of their 24-year-old son Adam, a radio producer who lives in Bristol. She also described her husband as a fanatical Plymouth Argyle supporter.

"He was a very lively, always very caring man, a caring father," she said. "He would always find an answer, try to make things better.

"Because his life was so limited as a child he took great pleasure in living it with Adam, and enjoying his successes.

"Through all the years we were together he often said 'Please God let me live to three score and ten'. That's 70."

Friend and fellow campaigner Richard Waring, another victim of the blood scandal, said it was a privilege to have known Ron.

Richard, aged 51, was given the all-clear from Hepatitis C in 2001 after undergoing painful treatment.

He said: "It was a privilege to know Ron. He was a great guy and we supported each other.

"If they had not successfully treated me, the outcome would probably have been as bleak for me as it was for him.

"The Government's new review is too late for Ron. I will carry on fighting for him and my other friends I have witnessed die over the years we have been battling together.

"It's gone on for way too long. The Government can make all the apologies they want but that only goes part way. Unless they are going to give some meaningful financial help and support, unless they actually do something substantial, any apologies are false."

Irena hopes to hold Ron's funeral in coming days.