'We weren’t expected to live to middle age' - Ireland's youngest thalidomide survivor turns 60

Ireland's youngest thalidomide survivor has turned 60 years old. 

According to the Irish Thalidomide Association (ITA), John Stack from Tarbert, Co Kerry said he's "delighted" to have reached the milestone age. 

Thalidomide was sold in Ireland in the 1950s and 60s to alleviate morning sickness but was withdrawn internationally in 1961 after it was found to cause major birth defects. 

A 2013 investigation by RTÉ PrimeTime revealed that thalidomide was not removed from the Irish market until 1962. 

John was reportedly born 14 months after the international withdrawal and has been chairperson of the ITA for many years. 

Speaking on his birthday, John said his wish was that 2023 "draws a line in the sand of this sorry saga". 

He said, "It’s gone on too long. That a fair deal is done now. We need closure, we are exhausted. I can’t spend the rest of my days fighting. As children we weren’t expected to live to middle age - I’m delighted to have got this far." 

ITA spokesperson and thalidomide survivor, Finola Cassidy, said, "There are only 40 Irish survivors left in Ireland, nearly 100 have died around the world in 2022 alone. We think of ourselves as a Thalidomide family. We are so happy and grateful to be able to mark Johns’ birthday. He is the most remarkable and unassuming man."