Drug-fight grandad dies

Jul 7 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

A GRANDFATHER who was unable to get cancer treatment drugs on the NHS has lost his fight for life.

Colin Glease died peacefully at his home in Lily Gardens, Dipton, near Stanley, County Durham, on Saturday with his family at his side.

The 45-year-old former van driver was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year, the same condition from which Hollywood actor Patrick Swayze, of Dirty Dancing fame also suffers.

Despite aggressive bouts of chemotherapy, the illness spread to Colin’s bowels and liver.

Although the condition is incurable, he was told that a new drug called Valatinib could help prolong his life.

But despite being licensed for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer in the US and Europe, it is not available on the NHS.

When Colin’s friends and neighbours learnt that £20,000 would allow him to obtain the drugs privately, they rallied round to help with a host of fundraising events, collecting an estimated £5,000.

Last night Colin’s daughter Jenna, 21, who brought forward her wedding to Neil Mack to last November so her father could walk her down the aisle while he was still strong enough, said: “My Dad died peacefully at home. The family feel very sad that he couldn’t get the drugs to allow him to be with us a little longer. But we have been tremendously encouraged by all the support he has had from local people.

“His funeral is on Thursday at St John’s Church in Dipton, where I got married. We haven’t arranged a time yet.”

Last month, speaking from his hospital bed, Colin said: said: “I know I grew up in the area but I didn’t realise I had so many friends.

“It seems as if everybody is rallying around and doing something to raise funds.”

He leaves wife Jeanette, daughter Jenna, 21, sons Tony, 23 and Jack, eight, and baby grandchildren Amber and Kenzie.