This week Bill Tuohy described his anguish at being refused the life-prolonging drug Sutent by health bosses despite several applications.

Mr. Tuohy, 65, of Manor Estate, Wolston, was diagnosed with the disease last year and the cancer has since spread to his stomach, chest, spine and right hip, leaving him on a diet of painkillers just to get through the day.

Mr. Tuohy, married with seven children and 13 grandchildren, was told by doctors that he may have little over one year left to live and that using Sutent would give him the best chance of prolonging that period.

But just like fellow cancer sufferers Russ Jones and Colin Howe, Mr. Tuohy had his application for Sutent turned down by Warwickshire Primary Health Care (PCT).

He has since been refused the drug four further times.

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Mr. Tuohy said: "There is no way that I could afford the drug myself. I'm a pensioner and it's simply too much but it's also my only option.

"It seems like the PCT is afraid to open the floodgates and get this drug to the people who desperately need it. There are over 40 PCTs in the country that are providing Sutent but Warwickshire is an exception. It's not fair.

"They said I was refused on cost grounds in a particularly unsympathetic letter which was very hard to take. I felt like a statistic."

Mr. Tuohy, a retired carpenter, is currently waiting to have a scan to determine whether the cancer may have spread to the side of his chest.
But he has not completely given up hope of being subscribed Sutent for free.

He added: "My oncologist has applied for it again and I've got to hope that his persistence eventually pays off. If you don't hope then you're left with nothing.

"I know exactly how Colin and Russ must be feeling right now. It's not nice to have your future determined in this way totally out of your hands.

"I'm glad that the Advertiser has started the Last Hope Appeal because this is an issue which needs widespread attention. Only then might something get done."

*Chris Heaton-Harris, MEP for the East Midlands is still waiting to hear whether the European Parliament will investigate the distribution of Sutent.