A YOUNG father said today his life had been ruined by what he believes is Gulf War syndrome.

Former Army medical technician Wayne Harman, 33, said he faced a bleak future as his health continues to deteriorate.

The nightmare started in 1991 after he returned home from a two-month stint in Saudi Arabia with the 22nd Field Hospital during the conflict with Iraq.

Since then he has suffered from 22 different illnesses, including jaundice, chronic fatigue, an aching spine, muscular disorders and panic attacks - which the Gulf Veterans' Association says are classic symptoms of the syndrome.

Unemployed Mr Harman who was formerly based at Catterick Garrison and lived in York for many years, takes four courses of medication twice a day to combat the pain and depression.

Like hundreds of other veterans he is seeking compensation from the Ministry of Defence for negligence.

Speaking at his home in Fostergate, Selby, Mr Harman told The Evening Press: "Those two months in the Middle East cost me my life. "I didn't see much action because we were 45 miles behind the front line, but the consequences have been devastating.

"I was given vaccinations and pills to protect me in the event of chemical warfare. Almost as soon as I got back from the Gulf I turned yellow and was diagnosed with jaundice. I was tired all the time, couldn't concentrate and felt very depressed."

Mr Harman, who paid to get out of the Army in October 1992 because of the problems, said his health and state of mind had worsened.

He split up with his wife after moving back to York, and has been unable to hold down a job because of his condition. He now lives with his partner, Lesley Challenger, and their four-year-old son, Aidan.

"Before the war I was fit as a fiddle - now sometimes I can barely get out of bed," he said. Mr Harman, who has a war pension, sent his Army medals back to the Ministry of Defence three years ago in protest. He said: "We've been betrayed and I want some justice. My life has been ruined."

Updated: 12:42 Thursday, February 01, 2001