By Barry Nelson
A FATHER-OF-THREE who was trying to raise [pounds]20,000 to buy a new cancer drug has died at home surrounded by family.
Colin Glease, 45, from Dipton, near Stanley, County Durham, died on Saturday from advanced pancreatic cancer. Since he was diagnosed with cancer a year ago, Mr Glease endured repeated bouts of chemotherapy at hospital in Durham City.
His hopes were raised recently when he was enrolled on an experimental drug trial, but he failed to respond to treatment.
His wife, Jeanette, said it recently became clear that Mr Glease would not be well enough to go on a new drug called Tarceva even if they raised the money.
She said: ?There was no way the doctors would have allowed him to have it because he was too poorly, but we still had to let Colin think he had a chance. ? Although he was warned his illness was probably incurable, his cancer specialist told him Tarceva might extend his life.
Despite being approved for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer in the US and Europe, Tarceva is not available on the NHS.
It is blocked because the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has not assessed whether the drug is good value for money.
Last month, Mr Glease told The Northern Echo: ?If I do go private for (Tarceva), then I will have to pay for all the scans, blood tests and injections that I normally get as an NHS patient. It is annoying, but that is how it works. ? Mrs Glease said: ?I just want to thank everyone who has raised money for Colin. I am donating it to ward five at Durham hospital, where Colin had his chemotherapy, and to the Macmillan nurses who helped him. ?
She asked anyone who has not handed in money to donate it to a charity of their choice.
Mr Glease?s daughter, Jenna, 21, brought forward her wedding to November last year so her father could walk her down the aisle.
The former van driver is also survived by sons Tony, 23, and Jack, eight, and grandchildren Amber and Kenzie.
His funeral will take place on Thursday at St John?s Church, Dipton, at a time to be arranged.
(c) 2008 Northern Echo. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
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