A CAMPAIGNER, whose daughter died of deep vein thrombosis after a long haul flight, yesterday took her fight to change the law to the European Parliament.

Emma Christoffersen was aged 28 when she died after stepping off a flight from Australia at Heathrow in 2000.

Her mother Ruth, from Llanmartin, is campaigning to make airlines responsible for the health of their passengers.

Welsh Euro-MP Glenys Kinnock, who has supported Mrs Christoffersen's campaign, met her when she arrived in Brussels to present a petition to the European Parliament.

Mrs Kinnock told the Argus: "Flying is one of the safest forms of travel, but for a minority of people who are susceptible, there is a real risk from blood clots and the outcome can be tragic. If taking aspirin, wiggling your toes or wearing flight socks can save lives, let's give people that information so they can make an informed choice.

"The European Comm-ission must fulfil its Treaty obligation to maintain high standards of public health, and take urgent action to educate the public about possible health risks from DVT."

Mrs Christoffersen, who is chairwoman of VARDA (Victims of Air Related DVT Association), said: "We truly believe that Emma and countless others have died needlessly. Since Emma's death five others have died at the Ashford Hospital, Heathrow.

"We want people to know that if it can happen to a young, fit person like Emma, then it can happen to anyone. I'd never heard of the condition before, now I want every air passenger to know the dangers.

"We can't turn back the clock, but had we known about blood clots, I can guarantee you, that it is 100% certain that Emma would be sitting here today." Vale of Glamorgan MP John Smith is the chairman of the All Party Group on DVT Awareness.

He said: "I fully support Ruth Christoffersen in her efforts. This petition is another important step which I welcome."