A FAMILY is suing the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, claiming doctors failed to diagnose a cancer which claimed the life of a father-of-two.

Matthew Potts, 36, of White Horse Lane, Otham, died in December 2006, of oesophageal cancer.

He left behind his wife, Kellie, 35 and children Tyley, 17 and Jack, 11.

Mr Potts’ GP referred him to Maidstone Hospital in September 2003 with a history of stomach pains, breathing problems and anaemia. The doctor asked that the symptoms be investigated with an endoscopy.

This was carried out in December 2003 and the diagnosis was given as a large hiatus hernia.

But Mr Potts’ symptoms worsened and are said to have included dramatic weight loss and difficulty swallowing.

Maidstone Hospital referred him to St Thomas’ Hospital in October 2004, where doctors arranged a CT scan and an endoscopy.

By this time Mr Potts had to have his food liquidised and his family said he suspected he had cancer.

The news that he had oesophageal cancer was broken to the family in January 2005.

Mr Potts had his stomach removed and went through extensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but he died on December 28, 2006.

Mrs Potts said: "Me and my children have lost a loving husband and father. Matt never complained during his long illness, despite the extensive treatment he had. His bravery was extraordinary and we miss him like mad every day."

Nick Fairweather, the family’s solicitor, said: "It is the family’s case that that the hospital misdiagnosed the tumour as a hiatus hernia."

A trust spokesman said: "Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust would like to offer their condolences to Potts family.

"It would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time because this matter is the subject of a legal claim."