A 54-year-old woman may have to sell her parents home after being told her father – a former spitfire pilot - can no longer receive an NHS care package. John Mejor, 88, who lives in Linksway Nursing Home, Douglas Avenue, has had his nursing care paid by

A 54-year-old woman may have to sell her parents' home after being told her father - a former spitfire pilot - can no longer receive an NHS care package.

John Mejor, 88, who lives in Linksway Nursing Home, Douglas Avenue, has had his nursing care paid by the NHS for the past 18 months after qualifying for its continuing care package.

His daughter, Sally Mejor, however, received a letter last week which detailed he could no longer receive full financial support, which he previously gained.

John, who has a form of dementia, was accepted onto the package nearly two years ago after suffering a number of mini-strokes.

Sally said it was 'preposterous' and 'disgraceful' that after being accepted, the NHS has now changed its stance.

"As his daughter, I do want to fight his case because I believe his care package should remain in place.

"At no point was it said there would be any timeframe or, that should his condition improve, even slightly, it would be pulled from us.

"They have agreed to pay us �106 a week but we have to find the rest - just under �700.

"If there was plenty of money to cover it, I would be willing and happy to pay. But because there isn't, I have to stand up for him."

Sally said her father, an ex-spitfire pilot and RAF officer, had given his life to this country. John, who was involved in the battle of Malta in World War II, was awarded a distinguished flying cross and also set up the Devon Conservation Forum in the 1970s.

Sally said her main concern over the NHS decision not to subsidise John's entire care needs, was that his 'fundamental condition' had not changed from 18 months ago.

She added: "What worries me is the money we are going to have to find for his care, is going to have an effect on my mother's life."

Sally said her mum, Cecile, 94, had been ill in the recent past.

"I'm fearful for her future too because we're going to have to sell this house and she very much wanted to spend the rest of her life here."

Parveen Brown, who is responsible for continuing healthcare funding at NHS Devon, said: "Every family has full right of appeal and we have spoken with the family this morning to discuss the situation further.

"We have agreed that we will be setting up another assessment of Mr Mejor's needs as part of the appeals process.

"Until the appeal is completed the family will continue to receive full payment.

"Everyone who receives continuing healthcare funding has their needs assessed annually.