As reported in last week's Advertiser, Ian Bowers is suffering from a rare form of cancer affecting the adrenal gland, which has now spread to his lungs.

But after Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust twice refused to fund his treatment, Ian's wife Jane Richards, and family and friends, have launched a fundraising campaign to raise money for Ian to be treated privately.

Having read about Ian's case in last week's paper, his former classmates from Chapel Senior School collected £535 at a school reunion they held last week, through a raffle put together by donations from local pubs, Fosters flowers and friends. The pub also agreed to allow the group to use the venue for free.

It is hoped Ian can start on a course of Sutent – which is approved in the UK for treating kidney cancer but not Ian's cancer because it is so rare – in the next couple of weeks. But as well as paying for the drugs, Ian may also face additional fees, including consultant fees and scan fees so the fundraising target has had to be increased. Around £10,000 has now been pledged with a host of events being planned to add to the total.

Jane said: "People have been so kind and we can't thank them enough."

A website has now been set up detailing Ian's case and giving information on how you can donate. It can be found at www.ianbowers.co.uk.

Alternatively, anyone who would like to donate can contact Jane on 07807 486594 or email cromford@googlemail.com

Related Stories
Wife's plea to save husband