Tributes paid to Exmouth spitfire man

EAST Devon MP Hugo Swire has led the tributes to Exmouth s heroic former Spitfire pilot. Mr Swire, who discussed John Mejor s NHS care funding ordeal on a number of occasions in the House of Commons, said he was clearly a remarkable man. He added: Of cou

EAST Devon MP Hugo Swire has led the tributes to Exmouth's heroic former Spitfire pilot.

Mr Swire, who discussed John Mejor's NHS care funding ordeal on a number of occasions in the House of Commons, said he was clearly a remarkable man.

He added: "Of course I'm pleased if we helped to resolve the problem for the family, but I extend my condolences to them at what must be a very sad time."

Parveen Brown, assistant director of continuing healthcare at NHS Devon, rejected any suggestion the national, publicly-funded healthcare body had been insensitive to the Mejor family's needs.

Mr Brown said: "We would like to offer our sincere condolences to Mr Mejor's family.

"We worked closely with them throughout the appeal process, fitting meetings around their availability and commitments. Mr Mejor continued to receive full funding for his care until the time of his death.

"The decision to continue future funding was communicated to the family the same day it was agreed, March 17, and a letter confirming this was posted soon afterwards.

"While the timing of this appeal has been unfortunate for the family at this sad time, we have done everything possible to help and strongly reject any suggestion we have been insensitive to their needs.