Cancer sufferer Peter Haslam fears for his life after being told by staff at Medway Maritime Hospital the drug he needs will not be available for eight months.

Mr Haslam, 62, who suffers from an aggressive form of bladder cancer, was just about to start a second session of treatment to stop the disease from spreading when he was informed supplies for his medication were running out.

And to his horror he has since been told the vital bacterial vaccine will not be available until late July 2015 - which he and wife Jayne, 49, say could be too late.

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Mr Haslam, who lives in Rochester, has had to give up his job as a full-time carer after being diagnosed in April this year.

Mr Haslam had just returned to work after recovering from a double heart bypass when he started passing blood in his urine.

In May he underwent surgery to remove four large growths and since July has been on a course of drugs which fights cancer cells.

When the couple arrived for his appointment they were told they should have received a letter from the British Association of Urological Surgeons advising of the shortage due to an increase in worldwide demand and a manufacturing issue.

Mrs Haslam, a legal consultant, said: “We have been shown another letter saying it will not be available until late July. In the meantime my husband’s life is at risk.

“We were knocked for six after being told.”

Mr Haslam, said: “I was shocked when they told me. Apart from being a bit sore I had no side effects and it was going well for me.”

Video: Peter Haslam needs the drugs to stop the tumours growing - Jemma Collins

Medical staff have advised the Haslams, who have five children between them, alternative treatment may be available at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford. But it is not guaranteed to have the same results.

Mark Reckless, Rochester and Strood MP, has taken up the case with the Secretary of State as “a matter of urgency”.

He said: “I have written asking for clarity of when this drug will be available, and also if a reputable licensed, if not patented manufacturer, can be used for patients who need this drug can be used in its place until supplies are resumed.”