ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Six-Stone Starving Man Deemed 'Fit To Find Work' Dies

Six-Stone Starving Man Deemed 'Fit To Find Work' Dies

Stephen Smith tragically died last week after shocking photographs of his skeletal body had previously been seen

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

A six-stone starving man who was deemed 'fit to find work' has died.

Stephen Smith, 64, from Liverpool, passed away after suffering from a number of health problems.

His story first came to light when shocking photographs of his skeletal body were published following a ruling he was fit and capable of finding work.

The horrific pictures showed Smith sitting in a hospital bed after having been admitted with pneumonia.

Upon his release from hospital, he was forced to contest the decision by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) for him to find work.

Mr Smith hit headlines when he was photographed in a hospital bed.
Liverpool Echo

However, a judge eventually found in favour of Smith and the DWP confirmed it would reinstate his benefits as well as provide back payments for money he was denied.

Speaking after Smith's death, one friend said: "He never really recovered from pneumonia. He was a good soul of the Earth. He would do anything for anyone."

Over the course of several years, Smith suffered from a number of conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoarthritis and an enlarged prostate.

Despite this, in 2017 he failed the DWP work capability assessment, which meant his Employment and Support Allowance payments were stopped and he had to survive on £67 a week Jobseeker's Allowance.

He also had to visit the job centre once a week to prove that he was genuinely looking for work.

Speaking at the time, Smith admitted he didn't know what to do.

He said: "I could only make it to the kitchen to make food once a day.

The 64-year-old tragically died last week.
Liverpool Echo

"I had no muscles in the back of my leg which meant I couldn't stand up at all - and had to lean or sit down all the time - but they were telling me I was fit for work."

Smith enlisted the help of the CASA community centre which helps people in his position.

Tony Nelson, who runs the centre, introduced Smith to Terry Craven, a former city council welfare officer who advises people at CASA about benefit claims.

He supported Smith in his fight to appeal the decision made by the DWP.

After Smith's successful appeal, a spokesperson for the DWP said: "We are sorry for the experience Mr Smith has had and we are committed to ensuring that people with health conditions get the support they're entitled to.

"Following the independent tribunal's ruling, he is now receiving full ESA support. While Mr Smith continued to receive benefits and support during his appeal, we can confirm he will shortly receive all back-payments for ESA due."

Featured Image Credit: Liverpool Echo

Topics: Liverpool, UK News