Cancer drug blow for champion athlete
A pillar of Hastings' athletic community has been denied funding for a trial cancer drug which could save his life.
Reg Wild, 70, has been president of the Hastings Athletic Club for 30 years, nurturing the running careers of local talents like Derek Stevens and Olympic athlete Sean Baldock.
He was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma two years ago. On Monday he learned that Hastings and Rother Primary Care Trust will not pay for his treatment because the drug combination is not yet licensed for his cancer.
Son Jason Wild says he was told it would be available through the NHS within a year, and added: "I'm gobsmacked that he's been through all the tests and is now being refused treatment.
"He's done so much for the town. All that time and effort and now he's being refused."
Reg's cancer began between his spine and his lungs, making an operation too dangerous to perform. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy failed to have an impact.
In July this year doctors told Reg his only option was a new drug which has perfomed well in trials.
Tests confirmed Reg was suitable for treatment before the finance committee of the PCT decided not approve funding on Monday.
Reg, who recently began running again, said: "Things don't always pan out as you want, but I was hopeful that because of my age and fitness they would go ahead.
"I don't want to sit back and take a slow fade into the sunset. I'd sooner go out still fighting with it but they're obviously not going to give me that chance.
"I don't feel altogether let down because I understand there's people with more need than me. But I still want to live. There's still plenty to give."
Dr Christopher McNamara, consultant haematologist at the Royal Free Hospital, says he will appeal the decision on Reg's behalf, and others have rushed to support him.
A well known local figure who won a Hastings Achievers award, Reg provided the funding and medals for 16 years of the annual mini-run as well as heading various local sports councils.
Eric Hardwick MBE, founder and director of the Hastings Half Marathon, said: "He's been the biggest and most important person in athletics in Hastings there has ever been.
"He was one of the first people I turned to when starting the half marathon 25 years ago.
"He's absolutely the most dedicated person I know. I can't give higher praise for Reg."
Roland Garrard has been involved with Hastings Athletic Club since 1983, and is currently the club statistician. He said: "Certainly over the last 15 years Reg has been the driving force behind Hastings Athletic Club as far as I'm concerned.
"It wouldn't be in the position it was if it wasn't for him."
A spokesman from Hastings and Rother Primary Care Trust said they could not fund the treatment because although the drug and isotope are licensed separately for some conditions, they are not licensed together for Hodgkin's lymphoma.
The spokesman said: "The application was considered by an emergency Individual Funding Request Panel to prevent any delay and advice was sought from the Sussex Cancer Network.
"Members expressed their sympathy for Mr Wild but concluded the lack of any evidence of benefit to Mr Wild meant the treatment could not be supported. The panel therefore concluded unanimously that funding would be declined.
"The cost of the treatment did not have any influence on the panel's decision."
For more information on Reg's condition contact Jason on 01424 447829
If you know Reg and would like to leave a message of support, please use the comment board below:
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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