Page 18 - CAMPAIGN Spring 2022

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CAMPAIGN Spring 2022
Josie’s Story
It has been two years since I joined the BNTVA trustee board and I have talked a bit about my father’s time in Maralinga, but the story I have wanted to share is my mum’s (Josie).
I have asked her to talk about how she won her war widows pension, as it was her experience fighting the MOD during my childhood which nspired me to step up and use my skills to help preserve the legacy and shared histories of nuclear testing. I have included a few personal photos from my family archives to show you why she fought so hard.
From what I have already read in the BNTVA archives my mum’s victory is very rare, especially as it was attributed to radiation exposure, or, I should say the MOD couldn’t prove otherwise?
The BNTVA needs to add that these stories about striving for recognition to our archives. They are as important to us as recording the memories of the tests themselves. We want to hear about your successes and failures.
I just wanted to finish with saying that I am very proud of my mum, and to publicly thank her for everything she has done for me.
Wesley Perriman
BNTVA Curator
Reader’s Story by Josie Perriman. My story...
I met Jim Perriman in 1980 at the Royal Mail Delivery office in Lymington Hampshire. He was working there as a postman, and I applied for a job as a post lady. My father had been a postman for 28 years, but he had passed away four years earlier, so he never knew I was following in his footsteps.
Months went by and my/our friendship grew, and we fell in love. We married and November 1982 our son Wesley was born. Family life was good until Jim broke his leg in 1987.
The break was pinned but he made a very slow recovery – looking back he never really recovered. Other symptoms crept in, such as he was passing blood in his urine. Tests were made and he was diagnosed with cancer in Jan 1989 – a very rare cancer. No prognosis was given as clinicians had no idea what it was due to its rarity. It was thought the cancer was in his bone marrow.
When Jim realised this, he suspected there might be a connection with the RAF work he was doing in Maralinga many years before I met him.
Although an RAF Cook, he was told to pick up firing mechanisms. He had told me about this work many times but, of course, it was long before I met him. We were both members of the Royal British Legion, so it was to them we turned for help. They tried to find medical records but at this point Jim died on the 2nd of May 1989 (4 months after being diagnosed). I continued seeking help for RBL and solicitors. It was suggested that I contact the BNTVA.
It took a long time and several years but eventually my appeal was heard in Chancery Lane, London. I was met by Ken Taylor from the BNTVA who supported me. It was adjourned part-heard while they searched for