A man who suffered radiation poisoning during treatment for cancer in the 1970s is hoping some old work colleagues may be able to help in his quest for compensation.
In 1979, when Bryon O'Ragen was just 32, he was diagnosed with cancer.
Doctors suggested he undergo radiation therapy and he's been dealing with the side effects since.
He was eventually found to be suffering from radiation enteritis - bowel damage caused by his treatment.
It's been so bad that for years he was unable to work.
"I had to give up diving, all the farm work, fencing, sheep work, I had to give it all up," Mr O'Ragen says.
He has no money, and his medications cost him around $700 a month.
"My father used to sit out and ball his eyes out, because there's just nothing you can do," Mr O'Ragen says.
He's now seeking compensation from ACC for lost income but there's a problem - he needs to prove he was employed at the time he suffered the treatment injury.
Mr O'Ragen says he was working at Ace Bags in Palmerston North, but he has no paperwork, the business closed down in the early 80s and his three former managers are dead.
ACC wants to help but it can't take Mr O'Ragen's word for it - it needs proof.
Mr O'Ragen's daughter, who was six at the time, has written a letter confirming her dad's employment and a panel is currently considering that evidence.
He's also hoping some old Ace Bags workmates might come forward to help.
He may not be entitled to much - at the time he was only paid $3 an hour, and would only get 80 percent of that.
He'll also need to provide evidence he was unable to work due to his condition.
Can you help? Email GemmaCoombe@mediaworks.co.nz.
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