Debbie Hirst's right to buy Avastin

A message from Debbie Hirst:

Firstly a massive thank-you to everyone who signed this petition for all your support. It has blown us away. Some of the postings have moved us to tears but all the entries have kept us positive.

We have been very lucky with the media coverage. It has been sensitively and honestly reported. We have also been extremely lucky in that our solicitor, Melissa at Halliwells has worked for us (including evenings and weekends) completely free of charge.

I am blessed with a wonderful family, without whose love and support I could not have got to four years, still alive and kicking! I also have some amazing friends and, thanks to this petition, lots of new friends. The positive energy that has circulated has shone through.

Sadly a trip to the cancer specialist following my latest scan has shown new tumours and a large increase in size of the existing tumours - not good news at all. Fortunately for us he informed the Hospital Trust that there was an immediate need to be treated with Avastin so on Friday 1st February at 3.30 pm my doctor rang me at home to tell me the Trust had agreed to fund my Avastin - on the NHS. My first treatment will be on Friday 8th. Thanks again to each and every one of you. Signing this petition HAS made a difference.

I am not the only person going through this battle and I fully intend to help and support anyone that I can with the issues of Avastin availability and co-funding of life-saving drugs.


Love and gratitude from Debbie Hirst