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SUFFERING from an incurable cancer, Jeff Hildreth has already been given a death sentence. But he has defied the odds to still be here a decade after his diagnosis - despite being given just 18 months to live.

Now he is desperate to be able to support his wife as she also fights cancer.

Determined to remain positive, Jeff is already accustomed to fighting the disease but now he is also forced to battle against bureaucrats who are denying him the drug which he believes could extend his life and help relieve his pain.

Jeff is a victim of the NHS postcode lottery which means he is refused the very drugs which others who live in a different area are allowed.

This is a man who has worked hard and paid into the system all his life and now that he has been struck by illness he is not asking for much - just the chance to be around for a little bit longer to support his wife through her own treatment, pain and anxiety.

Jeff doesn't fault his consultant who, he says, would love to give him the drug Revlimid, and he has nothing but praise for all the medical staff who are helping him in his battle against the disease.

But sadly their hands are tied. The drug has not been approved by the strangely named National Institute of Clinical Excellence - or NICE - and Jeff has to take his chances.

It is an absolute disgrace that any cancer patient should be forced to fight for treatment, especially when others who live in a different area are allowed the very same drugs.

Jeff has vowed to fight the system - not just for himself but also for the sake of other cancer sufferers. Now it's time for everyone in this country to decide whether they really want a health service which preserves and enhances life - or one which condemns people to death.

Today it's Jeff facing the postcode lottery - but tomorrow it could be any one of us.

3:29pm Thursday 7th February 2008

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