Colin Ross, 55, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a cancer of the blood cells, in May 2004 and has been told by doctors that unless he is given the drug Revlimid he will not survive beyond the autumn.

He is a victim of the NHS postcode lottery. A number of other Primary Care Trusts (PCT) across the country fund the drug.

In a cruel twist of fate, Mr Ross, who has two children and four grandchildren, has a partner who he cares for who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing intensive radiotherapy.

West Sussex PCT has refused to consider such social circumstances or the possible social costs of withholding the drug.

Mr Ross has already undergone a range of cancer treatments in the past and did respond well to the two other drugs currently being prescribed on the NHS for myeloma patients; Thalidomide and Velcade.

However, he was forced to stop taking these drugs because they caused him painful side-effects. His team of treating expert clinicians at the Royal Marsden Hospital then made an urgent application to West Sussex Primary Care Trust for funding of the drug Revlimid as it is the only viable option available to extend his life.

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