A woman who has been fighting cancer for five years has welcomed a review of rules that prevent patients from contributing to the cost of their care.

Sheila Norrington, from Barming, Maidstone, was diagnosed with bowel cancer five years ago.

The NHS will not give her the drug Cetuximab, which she believes could extend her life, because it is not recommended for patients with her condition.

She is prepared to pay for the drug, but under current rules if she does so she would also have to pay for the rest of her treatment - a bill of £18,000.

Now Health Secretary Alan Johnson has asked for a review of the rules.

~ Read more on this and hear an interview with Mrs Norrington at kentmessenger.co.uk >>>