Want the top news headlines sent to your inbox daily? Sign up to our FREE newsletter below Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Doctors have told Darryl Nicholson his chronic lung condition could kill him within two years.

The 47-year-old has stage three emphysema - a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary - that causes the destruction of the lungs and means he struggles with daily tasks such as shortness of breath, wheezing and fatigue.

Darryl, of Kenton,Newcastle, who also has bronchitis asthma, anxiety and depression, was able to live with the condition before becoming to ill to work.

He was receiving Employment Support Allowance (ESA) but after attending a mandatory work capability assessment the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) deemed him fit for working.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

He said: "I failed even though my condition has worsened. But because I can hold a pen, open a door and use technology, they think I am fit for work.

"Doing simple tasks, such as getting dressed, can leave me breathless.

"I live in a bungalow and the bus stop outside is 50 to 70 metres away that I can't walk to so I get taxis, which I now struggle to afford.

"I have to plan my routes to see if there are walls and benches to rest on."

Darryl, who tragically lost his wife to cancer, underwent a mandatory reconsideration which was rejected and he is now awaiting a tribunal.

"I should be focusing on life instead of this," he said. "I have spoken to people about work, but I don't know what I could do to be honest.

"I am stage three and would have more sick days than working days."

While on ESA, Darryl received £474 per month directly into his bank account.

But after being put on to Universal Credit his money has been halved, receiving just £236 per month.

After paying £48 for his phone bill, £60 per month for electric and £10.37 for gas, Darryl is left with around £15 per week for food.

Darryl, who worked in the catering industry, said: "I applied for Universal Credit and got my first payment which was £236 which means I can't take medication because I can't afford to eat.

"I'm not expecting to go on holiday or buy a car. I'm just expecting to be able to live.

"Sometimes I only have one meal a day, and there are days where I go with no food.

"This has a knock on affect and means that I can't take all of my medications because you have to take food with them. I've lost half a stone.

"A downside of my illness is that my immune system is weak and it will only weaken.

"I've applied for two more benefits, one the illness and disability enhancements on Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment."

Darryl said going through the process was humiliating.

He said: "I know I am going to die young. I was young when I got diagnosed, now I'm 47, and have been told I could live until I'm 50.

"Someone who does not understand this condition made this decision, with someone with even less understanding making a final decision."

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Darryl, whose wife died when she was just 36, underwent a mandatory reconsideration which was rejected and he is now awaiting a tribunal.

"I should be focusing on life instead of this," he said. "I have spoken to people about work, but I don't know what I could do to be honest. I am stage three and would have more sick days than working days."

Darryl said the mandatory reconsideration process needs overhauling and the tribunal service needs to clear its back log, starting fresh.

He added: "If they were doing their job properly there wouldn't be as many cases at tribunal stage.

"They have been told by my doctor that I have this really, really serious illness, and they have basically said 'No, you do not'. It is ridiculous."

Darryl said: "I'm wanting to share this not just for me, but for the thousands of other people who are also affected.

"It is atrocious and is like going back to the Second World War. It is like a slow genocide."

A DWP spokesman said: “Decisions for ESA are made by medical professionals following consideration of all the information provided by the claimant, including evidence from their GP or medical specialist.

“There is a free and independent appeals process where claimants can provide any further documentation.

"Mr Nicholson continues to receive benefits and support during his appeal and is not required to seek work.”