A WOMAN who contracted hepatitis B and C from contaminated blood is due to give evidence about her ordeal at a public inquiry today.

Colette Wintle contracted the potentially life-threatening diseases while having NHS treatment for haemophilia during the 1970s.

Today the 47-year-old is due to give evidence at a national independent public inquiry into how the contamination of a UK blood supply happened and why thousands of people contracted HIV and hepatitis as a result.

"I am suffering from liver disease and a number of health problems," said Mrs Wintle, of Sling Lane, Lower Broadheath, Worcester.

"These have placed an emotional and financial strain on my family.

"The haemophilia community has never had an apology from the Government and we were not informed about the high risks of blood-borne viruses involved in our treatment.

"I want to know who was responsible for allowing importation of contaminated blood products, exactly how this took place and what systems are in place to ensure it cannot happen again."

Mrs Wintle - a former model, nurse and air hostess - was forced to give up work due to her healthy problems and has been campaigning for an inquiry for the past 15 years.

"It has been very difficult," she said. "Some of us have managed to help and support one another but the British public now needs to know the lengths that several Governments have gone to keep this quiet and cover the whole thing up."

The mother-of-one said those who have had to live with these diseases deserve to be awarded compensation.

"It won't remove or repair the damage done but it will help them support their dependants, who are deeply effected," she said.

The independent inquiry, taking place in London, is being chaired by former Solicitor General Lord Archer of Sandwell.

It will investigate the circumstances surrounding the supply of contaminated blood, the consequences for those affected and suggest steps for the future.

Roddy Morrison, chairman of the Haemophilia Society, said: "We have been campaigning for an inquiry into this for the last 19 years.

"During that time there has never been an opportunity for the patients to speak or for all of the issues to be examined in the open.

"We hope that now all of the facts will be brought to light and that all those involved - from Government ministers to those infected - will give evidence."