IN TWELVE months Brenda Rowley's life has been rocked by double tragedy.

Last July she was devastated when her severely handicapped son, Malcolm (pictured) was found dead in the bath at his social services council home in Eccles.

Then in May, after suffering the agony of his loss, her husband, Fred, collapsed and died from a heart attack at the age of 56.

Now Brenda, of Whimbrel Road, Astley, is a mum with a mighty mission.

One year on she is battling harder than before for those she believes are responsible for the death of her 30-years-old son, who could neither walk nor talk, to be brought to justice.

With the anniversary of his death on July 18 on the horizon she is intensifying her campaign to find the truth about what happened on that fateful day.

She claims that despite pleas to the Prime Minister Tony Blair, Health Secretary Frank Dobson, the police, and Salford Social Services for records she has got nowhere.

Now she has appealed to the national charity, Mencap, who have agreed to back her fight.

And she is calling on anyone who feels they too have been the subject of a similar "whitewash" to contact her, to help form a campaign group.

Brenda said: "Malcolm was given to social services as a healthy child, he came back to me in a 12 inch casket.

"I am appalled at the treatment I have received while trying to discover the facts.

"The reality is that Malcolm was intentionally put onto a hoist and lowered into that bath, then intentionally left. He couldn't pull himself out and he couldn't shout for help. He just had to lie there and die. I still want to know why."

Malcolm, who only had the capabilities of a four-months-old child, had lived at the special bungalow for eight years with two other residents under the 24-hour care of two staff.

Following the tragedy an independent inquiry was commissioned.

Brenda claims this made eight urgent recommendations, but said there was no neglect "as such".

It has been handed to the coroner, but an inquest has still not been held.

Brenda said: "It is very frustrating, I still don't know the events of that day. All I know is that the staff who were looking after him were given slapped wrists and back at work elsewhere after eight weeks.

"This tells me that Malcolm's death is irrelevant to the authorities.

"Last October I wrote twice to Frank Dobson and he has not even had the courtesy to acknowledge my letters. It's appalling.

"It seems to me they are trying to wear me down. I have been stonewalled all along. But believe you me l will not let them get away with it."

Mencap's community team support manager, Steve Morris, said: "We supported Brenda at the time of the sad loss of her son.

"This week we have been back to see her to discuss if we can support her further, and help move her case forward with a view to bringing the matter to a conclusion."

Salford Council refused to comment until the inquest.

Brenda, who only two weeks ago scattered the ashes of both her husband and son at Overdale, added: "I will fight on to the bitter end."

Brenda can be contacted on 01942-884904.

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