A DISABLED man who has battled bladder cancer for more than 10 years has won his fight to be paid benefits.

Paul Marlow, from Barton, said yesterday it felt "amazing" after officials ruled he should receive £368 a month – five weeks after the payments were stopped.

The 59-year-old, who said he felt let down and "angry" when he was told to get a job – hit out at the earlier decision to halt his employment support allowance.

The Meadow Brook resident said: "It's unbelievable this happened. These people are out to stop disabled people from what they are rightly entitled to and it stresses people out so much it can cause suicide.

"I know there are people who are out to defraud and cheat the system and they should be punished, but people who need it shouldn't be put through hell. It's not right."

The Department for Work and Pensions said in July that Mr Marlow was "now capable of doing some work" despite him having bladder cancer, suffering from hepatitis B, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a medical drug addiction and other health problems.

Mr Marlow said "he would love" to work, but added his health would not allow him to maintain a job.

The former caterer has had bladder cancer since 2002 and had 42 operations as part of his ongoing treatment.

Mr Marlow, of Stowford Road, worked in the the hotel and catering business for 31 years and only took two days off sick.

He said: "If I thought I was screwing the system I would appreciate what they have told me, but I'm a poorly man.

"I was brought up to work and I did work. Is it a crime I had to give up work because of bladder cancer?"

The original decision meant Mr Marlow was put on Job Seekers allowance and would have had to search for a job and apply for training courses.

He also receives personal independence payment – a benefit for disabled people – of £220 a month.

The Department for Work and Pensions originally said they found Mr Marlow fit for work and added decisions were not based on the condition of claimants, but on what they can do.

His GP, Dr David Griffiths of The Manor Surgery, wrote a letter saying: "Although he cares for himself, it can take him all day to wash and dress and prepare one meal."

Mr Marlow added: "The medication I'm on makes me very fatigued and I get bad stomach cramps.

"I'm nearly 60 and I'm glad I fought it. There may be others who do not realise they can contest these decisions."

Steve Milne, spokesman for DWP said: "The decision on whether someone is well enough to work is taken following a thorough independent assessment, and after consideration of all the supporting evidence from the claimant’s GP or medical specialist."