Family of man who took own life after COVID jab complications call for action on government compensation
The family of an NHS pharmacist who took his own life after suffering paralysing complications from a COVID jab are calling for urgent reform of the government’s compensation scheme for vaccine damage.
John Cross was told by the official medical assessor for the scheme that the jab had caused his rare neurological effects, but that he wasn’t disabled enough for a payment.
Mr Cross was unable to move, blink or breathe after his first dose of the vaccine.
He spent seven months recovering in hospital but was left with chronic pain and numbness – and suffered several relapses.
After he was rejected by the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS), his mental health deteriorated and he took his own life.
John Cross’s children. Pic: Family
Speaking exclusively to Sky News, Philip Cross, John’s youngest son, said the family would seek to overturn the judgment and force reform of the VDPS.
“We want some good out of this and to get the system changed in memory of dad.
“You look at everything and it’s just wrong. It’s unjust.”
John was a staunch supporter of vaccination, eager to get his COVID jab to protect elderly relatives and help end the pandemic.
But two weeks later, he suffered rapidly progressive paralysis that swept up his body.
He was admitted to intensive care where he was given a tracheostomy, a breathing tube in his neck. And nursing staff had to tape his eyes closed so he could sleep.
John Cross and wife, Christine. Pic: Family
He slowly learned to eat, walk and talk again. But he never regained the mobility and fitness he had enjoyed before his illness.
Doctors eventually diagnosed Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, nerve swelling that leads to a loss of strength or sensation.
Adam, John’s eldest son, said his father dreaded intensive dialysis-like treatment to remove rogue antibodies from his blood because it left him severely fatigued for days.
“I think he knew that without the treatment, this long-term condition would yo-yo, possibly for the rest of his life,” he said.
“And he’d have to deal with that. It’s devastating.”
John was urged by his doctors to submit a claim to the VDPS.
The scheme was set up in 1979 to make a one-off payment of £120,000 to people who have suffered rare, but significant, side effects to a range of vaccines.
But after a two-year delay, with only a review of his medical records and no face-to-face assessment, his claim was rejected.
His widow, Christine, said: “Nobody spoke to him. There was no personal contact, nothing. Just fill in this form and that was it.
John Cross’s wife and children. Pic: Family
“I’m very angry. John went through enough with the illness and the recovery without going through the trauma of this bureaucracy.”
John began gathering medical evidence to have the judgment overturned.
But he became increasingly anxious and overwhelmed.
In October 2023, faced with more gruelling treatment for another flare-up, he took his own life.
Liz Whitehead, his daughter, said: “We’ve all had our vaccinations. And we continue to since we’ve lost dad.
“But now you start to question. If a rare, unusual thing were to take place, the system’s not got your back. It’s not there for you… is it worth the risk?”
Vaccination has long been seen as a social contract, with individuals taking the jab for the good of everyone.
But all vaccines have rare side effects, and the VDPS was designed to be a safety net for severe cases.
Under the VDPS, a medical examiner assesses patient records and testimony from doctors involved in the claimant’s care.
To qualify for payment, they must be deemed to be 60% disabled, a threshold with origins in compensation schemes for industrial injuries. Amputation below the knee would be sufficient for a payout.
Peter Todd, the Cross family’s solicitor
But the Cross family’s solicitor, Peter Todd, of Scott-Moncrieff & Associates, said medical assessors struggle to make “apples and pears” comparisons with complex vaccine damage.
“The threshold is often misunderstood as being very high, akin to being totally paralysed,” he said.
“But it isn’t. It’s a much lower standard, and they have to take into account both the physical disablement and the psychological impact.”
Mr Todd has tracked applications to the VDPS.
Before the pandemic there were a few dozen a year.
But since the COVID vaccine rollout, 14,000 people have made claims, according to Freedom of Information requests submitted by Mr Todd to the NHS Business Services Authority.
Just over 6,000 have so far been notified of an outcome, with 180 people told they would be given a payment.
Another 350 people have been told that on the balance of probabilities the vaccine caused their complications, but that they didn’t meet the 60% disability threshold.
Read more
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Mr Todd said people can struggle to explain the full impact of their vaccine damage on a complex form.
“There’s a real mismatch between what the claimant has understood about their condition and what the assessor is prepared to accept based purely on medical records that weren’t created for the purposes of this assessment,” he said.
“They rejected (John’s claim) in the most high-handed and unfair manner, which just broke him psychologically.”
The NHS Business Services Authority told Sky News that it did not comment on individual cases, but that it was in touch with the Cross family about their concerns over John’s assessment.
The Department of Health, which is responsible for the scheme, said the ongoing COVID Inquiry would investigate reform of the VDPS as part of its vaccination module starting in January next year.
In a statement, it said: “Assessments of VDPS claims are undertaken by qualified independent medical assessors, who use the medical records and information provided by the claimants’ healthcare providers to make their assessment.”
The Cross family are upset by the slow progress of the case.
“He was our dad, he was a really wonderful man,” said Liz.
“It’s a tragedy and the government needs to hear it. Don’t send me your condolences, don’t tell me how bad you feel for me or us.
“Do something.”
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
The terrorist who killed two men outside a synagogue on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar is believed to be a British citizen of Syrian descent.
Greater Manchester Police have named the suspect as Jihad al Shamie, a 35-year-old who is understood to have entered the UK as a young child. He was granted British citizenship in 2006.
Three people – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – have been arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.
The attacker is believed to be Jihad al Shamie, 35
Al Shamie allegedly drove a car towards the gates of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue and then began attacking people with a knife.
He was stopped from getting inside by security staff and members of the congregation. Police shot him dead minutes later, fearing that he was wearing a suicide device.
A knife and a white object worn by the attacker can be seen near his body. Pic: Reuters
Three men remain in a serious condition in hospital. One suffered a stab wound, a second was hurt after being hit by the car, and the third has an injury possibly “sustained as officers stopped the attacker”.
Detectives were still at two locations linked to the arrests on last night: White House Avenue in Crumpsall, and Langley Crescent in Prestwich.
The attack happened on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, and police patrols are now being stepped up near synagogues around the country.
“The second he got out of the car, he started stabbing anyone near him,” witness Chava Lewin said.
“He went for the security guard and tried to break into the synagogue.”
Pic: PA
Police said it appeared al Shamie hadn’t been flagged up via the Prevent anti-terror and de-radicalisation programme.
The prime minister condemned the “horrific incident” and apologised to Jewish people “on behalf of the nation”.
The first calls were received at 9.31am and minutes later “Plato” was declared – the codeword used by emergency services for a “marauding terror attack”.
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Synagogue attacker ‘shot within seven minutes’ of 999 call
‘He’s trying to press a button’
Video showed police pointing guns at the attacker as another person lies bloodied and motionless near the synagogue’s gates.
“He’s trying to press a button,” says the man filming. “Shoot him!”
As the attacker tries to get to his feet, a single shot is heard. Police said he was killed seven minutes after the first emergency call.
Bomb disposal experts later probed the body and a SAS helicopter flew nearby – but the object worn by the attacker was judged to be “not viable”.
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Resident describes synagogue attack
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said there were a lot of people inside the synagogue when the attacker struck.
“Thanks to the immediate bravery of security staff and the worshippers inside, as well as the fast response of the police, the attacker was prevented from gaining access,” he said.
Read more:
Witnesses describe how attack unfolded
What we know about synagogue attack
When ripples from overseas conflicts wash up on UK shores – analysis
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‘Britain must defeat rising hatred of Jewish people’
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who returned early from a meeting in Denmark, said Britain must defeat rising anti-Jewish hate.
“I express my solidarity, but also my sadness that you still have to live with these fears,” said Sir Keir.
“Nobody should have to do that. Nobody. And so I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve, starting with a more visible police presence, protecting your community.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood visited the area, and said the government would do “whatever is required to keep our Jewish community safe”.
Members of the Royal Family also reacted to the attack.
The King said he and the Queen were “deeply shocked and saddened”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services,” said the monarch.
The Prince and Princess of Wales said their thoughts were “with the victims and the families”.
UK
Mother calls for ‘brainwashed’ daughter living with ‘cult’ in Scottish wood to be deported back to Texas
A Texas woman has told Sky News an African “cult” brainwashed, lured and coerced her daughter to move 4,000 miles away to a Scottish forest by preying on her vulnerabilities.
Aspiring lawyer Kaura Taylor, 21, was reported missing from Dallas in May 2025.
Her family then spotted an online image of her living as a “handmaiden” in the so-called Kingdom of Kubala in Jedburgh, Scotland.
Kaura Taylor (right) with the self-professed king and queen. Pic: PA
Sky News can reveal Scottish authorities are assessing a report involving welfare and safety concerns.
Speaking exclusively in her first on-camera interview from Texas, Kaura’s mother, Melba Whitehead, pleaded for authorities to urgently deport her daughter to the US so they can be reunited.
In a separate development, Councillor Scott Hamilton, deputy leader of the local authority, said police, sheriff officers and other agencies went to the camp on Thursday morning and evicted the trio.
He told Sky News: “So, this group obviously arrived in Jedburgh a number of months ago. They set up camp here.
“They were originally on Scottish Borders Council land, and they set up camp and claimed they were a Kingdom of Kubala. And this, quite frankly, was ludicrous.
“It broke laws. It broke the rules. And as landowners we took action, as well as private landowners, to ensure this outcome today.”
The group, dressed head to toe in traditional African attire, is run by Kofi Offeh – who refers to himself as “The King” – and his partner Jean Gasho, who goes by “The Queen”.
The group are camping in woods near Jedburgh. Pic: PA
Both lived a troubled existence in Stockton-on-Tees, in northeast England, prior to camping in the Scottish borders.
A video online shows Mr Offeh claiming ownership of Kaura and boasting “I bought you at a price” before she swears allegiance to her “masters”.
The camp, on the edge of an industrial estate, is at the centre of a legal battle after eviction notices were served to remove them from private and council land.
Eviction notices have been left at the site. Pic: PA
‘Under a spell’
Ms Whitehead alleges she became embroiled in a family dispute following the COVID pandemic.
She said the “cult” groomed her daughter, who was 19 at the time, on social media, before buying a one-way ticket to the UK for a new life in the woods.
The 45-year-old told Sky News: “They utilised the fact that she was angry. To encourage her to get away. They used the fact she was penniless.
“They utilised the funds that they had at their disposal to send for her. They made that happen.”
Ms Whitehead says the group took advantage of her daughter
Asked if she believes Kaura was coerced into leaving the US, Melba Whitehead said: “I know so. She’s totally brainwashed. This is a cult.
“The first thing a cult is known to do is separate you from those that love you.”
She continued: “This isn’t just another young adult rebelling. This isn’t just another young adult who’s mad at the world. The difference is she’s under someone else’s spell in another country.”
Melba Whitehead and Kaura Taylor in an old photo
‘I can run away if I wish’
Sky News has interviewed Kaura Taylor on her own, away from the so-called Kingdom of Kubala.
She denied being coerced and insisted: “Others are not my concern. People who care about my best interests know why I am here.”
The 21-year-old said “the only things that matter are the camp, the trees and the creepy crawlies” – as she denied being in a cult and dismissed her family’s concerns.
When pressed on how she got to the UK as a cash-strapped teenager, she said she had fled a “rough background” and arrived via a “divine form of transport”.
Kaura Taylor told Sky News she was free to leave but had no intention of doing so
Ms Taylor said she had the ability to “run” away if she wanted, but had no intention of doing so.
Police Scotland told Sky News that officers were looking to “engage with the individual concerned” after a report was made raising concerns.
“I don’t know why Scotland is allowing this foolishness,” said Melba Whitehead. “I believe that Jean and Kofi are opportunistic. I believe there are leeches and vultures for my daughter.”
Kofi Offeh dodged giving a direct answer on whether he had coerced his ‘handmaiden’
‘Washed by righteousness’
Jean Gasho and Kofi Offeh denied the allegations when Sky News returned to the woods seeking a response.
When asked if he was operating a cult that was brainwashing Kaura, Mr Offeh replied: “This is the Kingdom … brainwashing is the best thing ever to happen to man if it is coming from the right source. For everyone’s brain needs to be washed by righteousness.”
He was questioned on whether he had coerced the 21-year-old but repeatedly dodged giving a direct answer.
He said: “I am the King of Kubala, and all nations belong to me. Everyone you see bows before me because I am the chosen one. They are not coerced, they are called.”
Jean Gasho refused to answer around a dozen questions unless she was referred to as a queen.
“When you address me as the Queen then I will answer your question,” she said.
She then starting singing a traditional African song in an attempt to drown out further questions.
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‘King Atehene’ at the campsite in woods near Jedburgh. Pic: PA
‘I was once her’
Rachael Reign established a London-based grassroots group advocating for victims of spiritual abuse and coercive religions.
The Surviving Universal UK founder has become an expert after she was groomed in a church-based cult in the British capital from age 13.
Ms Reign told Sky News the Kingdom of Kubala has all the hallmarks of a cult, but it was difficult to help someone who doesn’t recognise they need support.
She said: “I believe it to be a cult. She had particular vulnerabilities, and she was searching for a sense of community and purpose, and that is how cults target people.
“It is completely normalised. That is her reality, and any kind of critique or grievances is seen as a personal attack on her identity and her community. But she is at risk, she’s been isolated, and she needs to be safeguarded.”
Ms Reign added: “There has to be greater understanding around coercive control in relation to cults.
“Currently coercive control is only recognised within domestic settings, which means that victims of coercive control outside of domestic settings fall completely under the radar. There has to be some recognition in terms of legislation.”
The Home Office has been approached for comment.
A man has been shot by police after an attack at a synagogue left two dead in Manchester.
The attack, which comes on the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar – Yom Kippur – involved a car and a knife, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
At least three other people have been seriously injured.
Here’s everything we know so far.
How did the attack happen?
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Police respond to synagogue attack on Yom Kippur
Police received a call from a member of the public at 9.31am on Thursday morning, who said a man had been stabbed and a car has been driven towards members of the public at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall.
Police received further reports from the public in the minutes that followed, saying that a security guard had been attacked with a knife.
The synagogue is on Middleton Road in Crumpsall – a neighbourhood about three miles north of Manchester’s city centre.
The force said a “large number of people” were worshipping at the synagogue at the time of the attack.
A police spokesperson praised the “quick response” of a witness to the attack which allowed police to take “swift action” to prevent the offender “from entering the synagogue”.
Police shoot man at the scene
A man believed to be the offender was shot by firearms officers at the scene at 9.38am.
Video posted on social media appeared to show police officers pointing guns at someone laying on the ground outside the front of the synagogue. The armed officers shouted at onlookers to “get back” and “move on”.
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Video believed to show moment suspect is shot by police
The person on the ground is seen starting to get up before there is the sound of a gunshot and they fall to the ground.
Another person was shown lying motionless on the ground outside the synagogue gates.
In its most recent update, GMP said the man who is believed to be the offender was “believed to be deceased” after being shot by police.
A photograph has emerged on social media that appears to show the suspected attacker outside the synagogue.
The man believed to the suspect at the scene
Sky News has cross-referenced the image with video from the scene of the attack.
What do we know about the victims?
Police initially said four people were injured after the attack and were being treated for injuries “caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds”.
They later confirmed that two victims had died at the scene, and said that three other members of the public were in a serious condition.
What is happening now?
Armed police officers, emergency response teams and fire crews are at the scene, with police helicopters flying overhead.
A bomb disposal unit is also at the scene, as police have said the suspect’s condition cannot be confirmed due to “suspicious items on his person”.
Pic: PA
Middleton Road has been closed between Wilton Road and Crumpsall Lane, the Manchester Evening News reported, adding a police cordon is in place.
North West Ambulance Service said in a statement: “Following reports of an incident on Middleton Road in Crumpsall, the trust has dispatched resources to the scene.
“We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services.
“Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.”
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