Source: hillingdontimes.co.uk Tue 5th April 2011

A cancer patient from Croxley Green is appealing for help to pay for the pioneering treatment keeping him alive.

Keith Turnbull, of Frankland Road, was diagnosed with mesothelioma - a fatal cancer contracted through contact with asbestos – in October 2008.

He was originally given just six months to live, but is still alive thanks to a German procedure not currently available on the NHS or in the UK.

Since then the 65-year-old and his wife Judith have travelled to Frankfurt to receive the treatment 13 times, costing £3,500 a trip.

Mrs Turnbull, 63, said: “The treatment is called localised chemo-embolization, people come from all over the world to try it, and it is an official German Government-funded programme.

“It is helping to keep Keith's cancer at bay, he is still alive two and a half years after a six-month prognosis, but it is also very expensive and hitting our pockets hard.

“We can only afford another four or five trips. Knowing the treatment is available but that we can't afford it is gutting. What price is life?”

Mr Turnbull contracted the disease some 20 to 30 years ago, after coming in contact with fibres found on his father's work overalls.

Because he came into contact with asbestos before the dangers of the heat proofing material were known, Mr Turnbull cannot claim any compensation for his condition, and has been forced to retire from his job in graphic design.

Mrs Turnbull added: “There are many sufferers with whom I'm in contact on facebook and we call ourselves 'Meso-Warriors' because it is a continuous fight against this terrible, aggressive cancer.

“It will almost certainly affect many people who were in contact with asbestos over 20 to 30 years ago and who so far will be unaware that the clock is ticking.”

Croxley Green Residents' Association, which the Turnbulls are members of, has opened a special community fundraising account, after holding a fundraising gig back in November.

Vicki Sylvester, neighbour and friend, has also offered to run in the Virgin London Marathon on April 17, to raise awareness and also to raise money for Mr Turnbull.

Sponsorship Forms can be download HERE and for more information please contact Judith Turnbull direct on 01923 772798

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