IN MY last column I wrote about Tony Almond, from Brackley, who has liver cancer. Northamptonshire Primary Care Trust had refused to fund the only available effective drug, Sorafenib, due to cost, despite the PCT having surplus funds of £1.9m.

Well, I’m delighted because, following a successful appeal, Tony now has his drug, and is looking forward to extra time with his family.

This was a terrific result, news of which brought an emotional tear to my eye, and I send them every good wish for the future.

Many of us with rarer cancers can well understand how elated he must have felt to have his hope restored. All he wanted was to be given a chance, the same chance that is offered in many other countries.

No citizen of this country should ever have to go through such a terrifying and confusing process just to get proper treatment, especially when so ill and weakened by the pain of cancer.

Sadly, I’ve heard of many similar cases, and I’m afraid that it will not stop until the public has an effective voice and demands a better standard of care.

I could continue with other examples caused by our cruel Postcode Lottery, but not today.

I’m still fuming at the decision by County Durham PCT, to allocate £1m to Durham County Council for gritting roads and salting pavements, in a bid to prevent accidents. Why should vital NHS funds be syphoned off like this? Patients are being denied life extending drugs and the NHS is topping up the council coffers. Crazy!

Survival for people with cancer is subject to some random factors. So much depends on where we live, where we are treated, and on developing a reliable knowledge base of treatment options and how to get them.

The adage “information is power” cannot be stressed enough. The power of the Internet has been influential in this regard, and was instrumental in our fight for Sunitinib for kidney cancer patients.

I have spoken to others in similar circumstances to Tony. Sadly, some are very much on their own, with no informed family, no information about their illness, and no support. Many have little idea what they are up against, or what options are available to them.

We are fortunate here in Oxfordshire to have our own strong support group, FROG, which is like an extended family. I know that I can pick up the phone at any time and speak to a fellow patient and friend, which is a great comfort.

When we are well many of us take so much for granted, and it isn’t until the going gets tough and one is battling with a life threatening illness, that one fully appreciates the value of family and friends.

I am one of the lucky ones, as I have been blessed with a loving and supportive family, caring friends, FROG, and my Christian faith.

So, as we approach that special time of year, we should spare a thought for all those brave patients who are still battling on alone, and remind ourselves of the value that a loving and supportive family can give us.