A distraught mother said today her son's life had become "absolute hell" because of what she believes is Gulf War syndrome.

Susan Howells said her son, Gary, 29, of Fairburn, near Selby, had recently been put into care for the second time, suffering from clinical depression.

The nightmare began in 1991 after he returned to England from a three-month stint in the Gulf with the Royal Corps of Transport during the conflict with Iraq.

Since then he has developed several debilitating conditions including asthma, clinical depression, an aching spine and aggressive mood swings - which the Gulf War Veterans' Association says are classic symptoms of the syndrome.

Mrs Howells told the Evening Press: "It's been absolute hell. Gary was never the same person when he came back from the Gulf - I noticed straight away that something was wrong.

"Nobody has admitted that the war had anything to do with his health problems, which is rubbish. We've all had to cope with no support at all."

The Evening Press reported in February that Gulf War veteran Wayne Harman, 33, of Fostergate, Selby, believed he had contracted the syndrome and was seeking compensation from the Ministry of Defence for negligence.

Since leaving the Gulf, unemployed Wayne says he has suffered from 22 different illnesses, including jaundice, chronic fatigue, an aching spine, muscular disorders and panic attacks.

He said: "Gary is suffering just like I have - my thoughts are with him."

Veterans' association chairman Shaun Rusling said: "Gary is showing the classic symptoms of the syndrome - how many more cases do there have to be before something is done?"

Mrs Howells said Gary, who was given vaccinations and pills to protect him against chemical warfare before going to the Gulf, also intends to pursue a compensation claim when he comes out of care.

She said: "The worst thing is people just don't understand what's happened and think he's gone mad. The truth needs to come out."

For more information about the Gulf War Veterans' Association telephone Mr Rusling on 01482 833812

Updated: 16:08 Thursday, May 03, 2001