by Simon Tulett

A brave mum who won her fight for cancer drug funding has tragically lost her battle for life.

Nikki Phelps died in hospital on Tuesday morning, just days after she was told by NHS bosses they would help prolong her life so she could see her two-year-old twin boys, Jack and Harry, grow into young men.

The 37-year-old, of Wrangling Lane, Luddesdown, had previously been denied funding for Sunitinib tablets, which were costing her £100 per day, but won an appeal against the verdict last month.

Mrs Phelps' body had been ravaged by tumours caused by multiple endocrine neoplasis (MEN1), a rare genetic condition, but was hopeful that if she continued to take the drug she might be able to secure a few more precious months or even years with her family.

For the full story, see this week's Gravesend Messenger.