Anthony 'Russ' Jones and Colin Howe need the new drug - proven to treat their cancers - but both men have now been refused it by Warwickshire Primary Care Trust bosses.

They are now facing the prospect of paying over £3,500 a month for the drug which both have admitted they would struggle to afford.

Since we exclusively revealed their plight earlier this month several
readers have suggested setting up an appeal fund.

One reader asked for 700 donors to pledge £100 each and already The Blind Company has offered £100 to the cause.

If you want to find out more information, call (01788) 539977 or click here to email us.

Owner Keith Lawson said: "If enough people come forward this campaign will make a real difference, these people could die if they can't afford the drug."

The drug Sutent is not available for free on the NHS meaning patients have to apply to Warwickshire Primary Care Trust and endure a lengthy application process.

Russ, 62, has already seen one appeal fail and Colin, 47, is planning to appeal against his refusal which he was told of yesterday (Wednesday).

On hearing of the campaign Russ said: "I would be grateful of any donations.

"Buying the drug would be very costly and my wife and I are both pensioners. You're talking about paying for a family holiday every month.

"We might have to raid our savings and possibly sell the car or even our house."

Colin said: "It's a tremendous gesture and any help would be warmly appreciated.

"Hopefully this campaign will also raise awareness of Sutent and persuade the NHS to make it readily available."

Anyone interested in donating to the 'Last Hope' appeal should send their donations to Rugby Advertiser Charity Events, 2 Albert Street, Rugby, CV21 2RS.


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