THE battle might be over for funding Jean Murphy’s cancer treatment, but the war goes on with the family vowing to fight for other sufferers.

The first meeting of the Jean Murphy Cancer Appeal was held last Thursday, October 23, 24 hours after Salford Primary Care Trust had agreed to finally fund the 63-year-old grandmother’s treatment with the drug Sutent.

A jubilant Jean told the meeting in St Luke’s CE church hall, on Derby Road, Weaste they must continue the fund for others.

She said: "Thank God, the PCT have finally agreed to pay for me to get future treatment of the drug.

"None of this would have been possible but for the marvellous support I got from so many people, but mainly from the incredible kindness of the anonymous donor who gave £10,000 for the treatment to start.

"Had that not happened, the PCT would not be picking up the bill for future treatment.

"But there must be many, many people who will not be as lucky as me to have a mystery donor.

"When they are diagnosed, where will that money come from, if it isn’t from a fund like ours. We have got to help all we can."

News of the PCT’s decision was greeted with delight by Salford-born Peter Hook, bassist with New Order, who said: "It was nice to see they’ve agreed to treat Jean Murphy - such a shame these fights come when you least need them, eh?"

Jean’s daughter Cathy Ostasz, 36, said after the trustees meeting: "We don’t want people to let up one bit.

"Everyone has been so generous and we want that to continue. The trustees will be keeping the momentum up and arranging fundraising events.

"We would also like to reassure people that the fund will be used for anyone who is receiving treatment at The Christie, whether they come from Salford or not."

Last week, PCT chief executive Dr Mike Burrows said they decided to fund Jean Murphy’s treatment after receiving a letter from her specialist Professor Robert Hawkins advising them that she had responded ‘unusually well’ to Sutent and was one of the minority of patients for whom the drug was effective.

The Appeal currently stands at £1,425. Donations can be sent to the Advertiser at 30 Church Street, Eccles, M30 0DF, or to Councillor John Deas, c/o Swinton Civic Centre.

Or pay directly to: The Jean Murphy Cancer Appeal, The Royal Bank of Scotland, Mather Way, Salford Shopping City, Account no. 10159464, sort code 162814.

Tweet