Skegness Magazine

The grandparents of a Skegness cancer victim have launched a petition to make life prolonging drugs, eg Sutent, freely available on the NHS.

The couple, Vic and Joan Hallam are pictured on Lumley Road in Skegness with Val Harrhy who is signing the petition. Val said “It’s absolutely disgusting that people have to petition like this to get life-saving drugs on the NHS!”

Mr and Mrs Hallam said that the whole situation is “heart breaking”.

“Our grandson will die if he doesn’t get the drugs. They make a big difference to him and when he couldn’t get them he went downhill fast”.

“We’ve been doing house to house collections to try to get money for the cancer drugs and we’ve got £501 up to now”, Mrs Hallam told us. “We’re trying our best to keep our spirits up in such tragic circumstances”.

A desperate appeal for cancer victim, Nick Adams (pictured left with mother, Sandy) was launched back in November 2006 when be was given just a few weeks to live after being diagnosed with kidney cancer.Twenty-four year old Nick’s parents, Symon and Sandi have appealed for people to help them raise money for the new cancer drug, Interferon, and a private consultation with a London kidney cancer specialist.
“We are determined to keep fighting and keep up our hopes”, Sandi said.

Nick is currently taking Sutent under the private consultant, Prof, Patel at Nottingham Hospital. More money is needed to maintain supply of the drug.

Nick’s father, Symon said “It’s a tragic situation for a very nice young man”. Symon can be contacted on 01754 896001
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Skegness Man Loses Cancer Battle

A Skegness man has died from cancer after losing a nine month battle to save his life.

Nick died in his mother’s arms on Friday.

Nick Adams, 24, was given just weeks to live after being diagnosed with kidney cancer last November. A long campaign was launched by Nick’s parents, Sandie and Symon to obtain life-prolonging drugs on the NHS.

Sandie said “Nick was a very determined man, brave to the end. He was written off but refused to give in”.

He was finally given the drug ‘Sutent’ on Boxing Day of last year and by the first couple of weeks in January he was able to walk, and not long after he was actually driving.

The family’s battle has paved the way for others to get life-prolonging drugs on the National Health Service. Sandie said “If we’ve any regrets it’s the time we’ve had to spend fighting for Nick’s drugs”.

Well wishers will be able to sign a book of condolences which will be available at the town’s New Look shop on Lumley Road where Sandie is manageress.

Nick won the hearts of Skegness people who rallied round to raise money for his drugs. Collection boxes were placed in many of the town’s shops and events were organised for his cause.