THE mother of Emma Christoffersen, who died of deep vein thrombosis following a long-haul flight, is this week taking her fight over the issue to the European Parliament in Brussels.

Ruth Christoffersen, of Llanmartin, is campaigning for a change in the law making airlines responsible for the health of their passengers.

Daughter Emma, 28, died in September 2000, moments after stepping off a flight from Australia at Heathrow Airport.

Mrs Christoffersen, along with victims or relatives of people who have been affected by DVT, launched a petition with John Smith, MP for Vale of Glam-organ, in August. The aim was to gain support and make sure the government stopped to listen and support a new aviation bill.

That would give DVT victims and families more rights and support and put the responsibility on airlines for the health of their passengers.

Research has pointed to air travel as a potential risk factor towards developing DVT, but the airlines argue that research has not proved a link beyond all doubt.

Mrs Christoffersen, who is flying out to Brussels tomorrow, said: "We are going to a petition meeting on Wednesday where we will give a speech and say what we feel.

"I am looking forward to having my say."

Mrs Christoffersen, chairwoman of VARDA (Victims of Air Related DVT Association) said that although it won't be the first time she will have flown since Emma's death, she always gets a chill down her spine going to Heathrow.

She added that the meeting was a long time in coming for campaigners, having waited two years, but she said she appreciated the time it took.

She said: "I know the wheels often grind very slowly, and I am not sure we will be given a decision on Wednesday.

"I am not sure how it will work, but at least we can say our piece."