Donations and pledges of help have been pouring in for Leominster town crier Dave Taylor following a public outcry after he was turned down for funding for life-prolonging treatment to help him battle against cancer.
The popular local character has been fighting the disease since November 2007 but must now finance a new drug presribed by his consultant himself after the county’s Primary Care Trust turned his application down as featured in last week’s Journal.
But Dave, who has been a retained firefighter for 22 years, has some mighty support in his camp not least local campaigner Denise Pugh, Leominster MP Bill Wiggin and colleagues at Leominster fire station.
“The support since you broke the story has been incredible,” he told the Journal. “I feel very humble and emotional, it’s quite upsetting sometimes. I was sat in a cafe this morning (Friday) having a meeting when someone came and put money in my hand.
“It’s a real eye-opener finding out how much you are thought of by people.
“Bill Wiggin has been active on my behalf and I’ve had a call from the PCT to say they are looking into the matter, I don’t know what that means but at least it’s a start.” Denise worked with Dave before he was diagnosed as a volunteer fundraiser for the Renton Unit where he now undergoes chemotherapy.
“We’ve had such an amazing response,” she said. “St. John Ambulance want to do something as do Luctonians. I’ve had so many phone calls from people saying they are absolutely appalled and that they want to do something to raise funds.”
Dave was sent a copy of the formal letter from the PCT this week which explains his application was declined because the treatment advised is not approved by NICE, NHS Scotland or Worcester PCT.
He intends to appeal against the decision but in the meantime his fire station colleagues and Denise have set up a Fight for Life for Dave Taylor appeal and are looking for charity status.
Contact Denise Pugh to get involved on 07967 515531.
