A DOWNHAM man who went on hunger strike after his benefits were taken away has not eaten for 23 days, despite having his benefits restored.

George Rolph, 60, of Capstone Road, stopped eating on May 20 after he was - he says wrongly - deemed capable of work following an assessment by Atos Healthcare.

Last week, after a visit from the Department for Work and Pensions, his benefits were returned to him.

However by remaining without food he hopes to raise awareness for people in a similar position to the one he found himself in.

He told News Shopper: "I don't want to die, but I will not stay in country with a government that is willing to treat the weakest and most vulnerable people in this way.

"What I want to happen is for anyone appealing against their benefits being taken away to have their benefits restored until their appeal has been heard.

"I also want the government to review how Atos carries out its assessments.

"It is just not fit for the job. You cannot have a tick box system for people who are severely disabled."

Mr Rolph suffers from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the result of years of physical and mental abuse at the hands of a number of women.

He suffers from bouts of depression and frequently experiences terrifying flashbacks that leave him in tears, and although he has tried to work he finds it too difficult.

The hunger strike continues to affect him physically, however he is determined to stick to it.

He said: "I have not been sleeping well for the last four nights and when I wake up I get slight kidney pains.

"I have sluggish thinking and have had a couple of minor dizzy spells.

"I have one other rather strange symptom. Sometimes I wake up with a pin point of heat on my belly but it doesn't cause me any pain."

Mr Rolph is drinking fluids, and has been since day seven of the strike.