The Daily Mail, 20th Oct 2010
The police officer blinded by fugitive gunman Raoul Moat has was refused a refund on flight tickets by airline bosses after doctors advised him not to fly.
PC David Rathband, who was blasted in the face as he sat in his patrol car, was forced to abandon his family holiday to Australia because of ill-health.
But after asking for a refund, he says Cathay Pacific simply said ‘no’.
The father-of-two had hoped to visit his twin brother in Australia, but after advice from medics decided the 40-hour journey would be too much for him.
PC Rathband and his wife Kath, from Blyth, Northumberland, had been reconsidering their once-in-a-lifetime trip ever since he was released from hospital after being gunned down
He said: ‘I was really looking forward to going over to Australia and seeing my brother, but it's too much travelling. ‘I'm still getting used to my condition and doing simple things is very tiring.
‘They've said I can change the dates, but that's no good for me because I don't know when I'll be fit to go.’ PC Rathband says although he booked four cheaper non-refundable seats, at £2,895, he hoped his circumstances would make him eligible for re-payment. Instead he was told over the phone that wasn't possible.
PC Rathband says when he called British Airways to cancel connecting flights from Newcastle to Heathrow he was instantly granted a refund.
David said: ‘BA were fantastic. I called up and explained and they arranged it straight away.’ He says he is disappointed to be missing out on his trip, which was originally going to give the keen cricketer a chance to watch the Ashes.
Now the injured policeman, who is extremely close to brother Darren, says he hopes he will be able to find a way to welcome his brother to the UK for Christmas.
He has already paid for tickets once so his brother could be by his side in hospital.
Cathay Pacific have now said they are looking into the Rathbands' case and look forward to having the opportunity to sort out the issues over repayment.
A spokesman said: ‘PC Rathband approached customer services on the phone, who do not have ultimate power to grant a refund.
‘It is my understanding PC Rathband was asked to submit his claim in writing with all the appropriate details.
‘This is the system we always use and we believe it is the best way of ensuring the fairest treatment for all customers. We have been in touch and are looking into his case.’
Raoul Moat victim PC David Rathband refused refund on flight tickets | Mail Online