A YORK widower struggling to change a benefits system which punishes some bereaved partners was today in hospital - as the stress of his fight took its toll on his health.

Frank Healy has been admitted to York District Hospital after his battle with benefits chiefs triggered complications with a skin condition.

The father-of-two, from Dringhouses, spent years calling for fathers to receive widowed parents allowance but, when he finally claimed it, he found he actually became poorer.

The allowance put his income over a Government benefit threshold and, as a result, many of his other benefits were cut.

In Tuesday's Evening Press, we revealed how many other widowed parents in North Yorkshire had fallen foul of the same loophole and were being sucked into the poverty trap.

Speaking to the Evening Press, Mr Healy maintained that he would continue to fight for widowed parents made poorer by "a crazy system". But for now, he lies in a hospital bed suffering with severe psoriasis.

Mr Healy, 49, said: "This condition has progressed to such an extent in the last few weeks that I have had to admit myself to hospital.

"I don't know how long I will be here, obviously I don't want a season ticket.

"I feel strongly about continuing this fight but I also need to give my body time to recover from the stress.

"I am not looking for sympathy. My children have all the love in the world and I am supported by magnificent people.

"But there are some out there in the same boat who cannot lean on anyone. I will continue to fight for them."

Mr Healy's two children, Scott and Stuart, are being looked after by family and friends at home.

Fact file:

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease believed to be caused by faulty signals sent by the body's immune system.

One in 50 people suffer psoriasis to some degree.

Commonly affected areas include the front of the knees, scalp and back of the elbows.

There is no cure for psoriasis, but sufferers can have long periods where they are not troubled.

Stress can aggravate the condition.

Updated: 12:31 Thursday, September 20, 2001