25-10-2007: Brixington grandfather Bob Davis, who battled Devon Primary Care Trust to be allowed a life-prolonging cancer drug, has died.

25-10-2007: Brixington grandfather Bob Davis, who battled Devon Primary Care Trust to be allowed a life-prolonging cancer drug, has died.

Mr Davis, of Parkside Drive, last week died from renal failure after losing his fight against an advanced form of kidney cancer.

Seventy-year-old Mr Davis, and his wife Marie, 73, fought against the PCT's decision to deny him tumour-shrinking drug Nexavar, which could have doubled his life expectancy.

"I want to say thank you for nothing to the PCT," said Mrs Davis, who was by her husband's side when he died.

"They are men in suits who want hanging. They ought to see the patients and families before making their decision.

"I wish I could have met them and told them how I feel. If the medication is there, then people should be able to have it and not have it dangled like a carrot just out of reach. It's torture.

"Bob fought so well. He struggled on. He's my hero.

"Apart from the medical help, Bob and I have had wonderful support. Bob was a lovely man. Everyone took to him. I would like to say thank you to everyone who has helped and supported us."

Earlier this month, Mr Davis gave up his fight for treatment - and accepted his fate - after the PCT turned down a further appeal for the drug.

Mrs Davis said they both decided it was not worth pursuing any longer because the PCT refused to back down.

The PCT said its decision to deny Mr Davis the drug was not based on funding.

It said Nexavar had not been looked at by NICE, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence - the body that lays down drugs guidance for the NHS - but the Scottish Medicines Consortium had carried out a detailed study and decided not to recommend it.

Mr Davis's funeral will be held at 1.45pm on Monday, October 29, at Exeter Crematorium. All are welcome.