“Lying in his reinforced bed, 812lb Keith Martin yesterday defended the estimated $66,178 a year he costs the taxpayer – by comparing himself to others who receive help, such as smokers or injured rock climbers. Believed to be the world’s fattest man, the bed-bound 42-year-old cannot even roll over on his own. He is visited by seven carers a day, who wash and change him in two shifts, plus two nurses every other day who tend to his bed sores. Despite the huge drain on public funds, Mr Martin, who has been unable to work for more than a decade, said: ‘It’s either that or I would end up dead. Until people have lived like it, they can’t judge. Some people need help. Smokers get help, rock climbers get help if they get injured. Some people have bigger problems than others. ‘I am trying to get my weight down. Hopefully it won’t be too long.” w/ photos
