A SUPPORT group for High Peak victims of asbestos-related lung cancer is being set up by the grieving daughter of Ethel Hallam, to help guide them through the gauntlet they face to get treatment.
Louise Dowd, whose brave mother Ethel died after battling with lung cancer and Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust for vital chemotherapy, is forming the group to help other mesothelioma sufferers challenge the injustice of the NHS post-code lottery.
Derbyshire County PCT initially refused to fund Ethel Hallam's vital treatment for mesothelioma but relented after a long appeal process. If she had lived just minutes down the road in Stockport, her chemotherapy would have been funded.
Mrs Dowd said: "When you are on your own facing terminal illness it is awful that the system just won't help you.
"I am a strong character but it was very difficult to fight for my mum's treatment at her PCT appeal.
"It is so hard to walk into a very formal board room and put up the best fight for your life you can."
The support group has been joined by the latest victim of the health-service postcode lottery system, Maureen Barnes, the 60-year-old from Chinley who has also been refused funding for treatment for her mesothelioma with the drug Alimta.
Mrs Dowd said: "I went through the appeal process with Mrs Barnes and warned her about what to expect.
"When I showed her the PCT's written decision on my mum's treatment she was shocked. There are only about four or five lines of scribbled writing.
"Mrs Barnes looked at it and said 'My god, that's my life.'"
Mrs Barnes said she was greatly encouraged after Mrs Dowd contacted her to offer support.
She said: "After the initial shock you just can't listen, you can't even think, let alone face the appeal process.
"She told me about the people she had met who were doing well on this drug. Some were treated with Alimta eight and 12 years ago. It gave me a great lift."
She said staying positive was crucial, but it was hard being left in limbo over her treatment.
Mrs Barnes said: "Louise gave me a lot of literature and contacts for a lot for people who can help with the appeal."
"Hopefully if we can get funding for me, the PCT will change their attitude and other people won't have to fight like we have fought."
Louise said: "I'm not sure how the support group will be set up yet, but I feel so much for people who will have to go through what we did, that I will do what I can to help them."
Tony Whitston, spokesman for Greater Manchester Asbestos Support Group said: "It is wonderful that families affected by this disease are coming together to set up their own support network. We will help in whatever way we can."
By Johanna Dollersonjohanna.dollerson@buxtonadvertiser.co.ukClick 'next' to find out how you can help.