Cancer patient has to pay 2k a week for treatment: “NHS pays for boob jobs but won’t save my life”

A cancer patient who is being forced to find £2,000-a-week to fund the drugs prolonging his life has hit out at the NHS.

drugs

by Jack White |
Published on

Reece Hawley, 21, from Essex, has two brain tumours but was given hope when doctors told him about the drug Avastin.

Despite the fact that Avastin could help to extend Reece’s life by a significant amount of time, the NHS refused to fund it.

READ: TEENAGER, 19, DISCOVERED SHE HAD BRAIN CANCER AFER £19 EYE TEST

Now Reece’s family and friends have to raise the money themselves to keep him alive.

Those who wish to donate to Reece's cause can do via his fundraising site
Those who wish to donate to Reece's cause can do via his fundraising site

Speaking to the Mirror, Reece said: “I believe there shouldn’t be a price on people’s health. It is one of the most frustrating things.”

Despite the fact that the NHS say that the drug isn’t licensed in the UK for treatment of brain cancer, it is approved in many other countries.

Reece hit out at the NHS, slamming them for giving free cosmetic treatments to people when they won’t provide him with Avastin.

READ: BOY WITH TERMINAL CANCER WHO LOVES RECIEVING MAIL 'SENT 30,000 BIRTHDAY CARDS'

He said: “It’s tough reading about people getting boob jobs on the NHS or over-eating and demanding a gastric band.

“The treatment is amazingly important. This drug has had pretty good results for a number of different people. I always tried to stay fit and healthy and never used the NHS. Now I do need it and they cannot offer me treatment.”

Reece says teenage cancer Stephen Sutton has inspired him not to give up. He said: “It’s been difficult coming to terms with my diagnosis.

VIDEO: WATCH 200 STRANGERS JOIN FORCES TO STOP THE COUNCIL EVICTING A CANCER PATIENT FROM HIS HOME

“I had my whole life planned out. All I wanted was my own place with my girlfriend, maybe a pet, and to become a primary school teacher. I know a lot of those hopes and dreams can’t be fulfilled but I will keep fighting.”

A spokesperson for the NHS said: “[Avastin] is available to patients who meet a set of criteria, which are there to ensure these specialised drugs are used in the cases where they will be most effective.

“Avastin is not licensed by the manufacturer for treatment of brain cancers in England.”

If you wish to donate to Reece’s cause, go to his Fundraising site or visit his Facebook page

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