The family of a terminally ill Shropshire woman which has been fighting to get her a drug which could prolong her life, was told today it had won its battle.

Relatives of Maureen Coombes, 63, of Bridgnorth, were frustrated with “red tape” they claimed was delaying efforts to get her the cancer drug Avastin.

The drug is not yet available on the NHS because the National Institute for Clinical Excellence advised the Department of Health it was not “cost effective”.  

But her husband Ivan, and her two daughters Vicky Coombes and Elizabeth Wilson have agreed to find the money themselves.

The family was told it could not buy the drug privately until Shropshire County Primary Care Trust turned down its request for cash to pay for it.

But yesterday they received the news they could have a costing for the drug, meaning the family has now won its battle. 

Mrs Wilson said cost varied depending on how long an individual’s treatment was, but research they have carried out suggested that it could cost up to £20,000.

She said: “Our mum found out she had cancer in January and began chemotherapy on February 10, by which time we hoped to have the drug as it is more effective if administered at the beginning of treatment.

“We are delighted to hear we can pay for the drug and we should have it in time for the second chemo treatment on March 3. 

“What we have said all along is by the time you are told your answer, you might not have the luxury of time. The thought of waiting until the third cycle of treatment was unthinkable.”

Mrs Wilson said that the family would “do anything” to have more time together and that they did not want to point fingers at anyone.

“Our consultant, the hospital, our MP Philip Dunne have all been great, it’s the system we were frustrated with. 

“But now we are delighted the costing has come through and we will start fundraising to find the money. I wouldn’t want any other family to have to go through this and hopefully now they won’t.”

Shropshire County PCT said it was unable to comment on an individual’s care or treatment.

Matt James, from the PCT, said certain treatments were not routinely available on the NHS in Shropshire but specific requests for these treatments were considered through the PCT’s Individual Funding Request process.

He said: “Decisions on the funding of these treatments are taken quickly when necessary and if funding has not been approved by the PCT then an option for co-payment of the treatment is possible.”