A CWMBRAN couple have raised over £280 to help their neighbour who was denied access to a life-extending form of cancer drugs.

Deri Groves, 50, and his wife Michelle saw the article published in the South Wales Argus that highlighting how their neighbour Carolyn Davies, 47, was denied access to a cancer drug, and have set about raising the funds to pay for it.

They have been selling raffle tickets and so far have collected £285 but they hope that this will be much more by the time of the draw on August 1.

The pair have collected prizes from local businesses in the area including meal vouchers and gift sets, as well as prizes from Morrisons, M&S, and Sainsbury’s.

Mr Groves added: “We have now organised a family fun day, now on August 9, on the green at Grayson Way, Cwmbran, and hope to raise even more funds.

“Now we just need the community's support to make sure it’s a success.”

Mrs Groves has been supported by her employer Nationwide, who will be holding a sponsored walk to raise funds on August 2.

The team are meeting at Storey Arms at 11am to walk to the summit of Pen y Fan.

As previously reported Mum-of-two Mrs Davies was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2014 and – after treatment including chemotherapy, a mastectomy and radiotherapy – she was prescribed Herceptin to try and prevent the cancer from spreading.

But in May this year a biopsy showed she had developed a secondary form of the disease.

Her oncologist recommended that she apply for funding for Trastuzumab Emtansine TDM1, which is currently used in England – but she was denied on the grounds that she had not tried alternative treatment.

Mrs Davies, of St Joseph’s Meadow in Cwmbran, said it was “frustrating and upsetting” as she believes she would have the treatment first if she lived in England.

She said: “It’s not a cure for it; it’s something that prolongs your life.”

Close friend Marsha Whant, of Penywain Street in Pontypool, set up a fundraising page earlier with a target of £5,000, but a year’s worth of treatment could be closer to £50,000.

A spokesman from Aneurin Bevan UHB said: “To ensure appropriate use of NHS funds, a wide range of clinical evidence is sought to ensure that the treatment being requested is the right treatment for the patient.”

You can donate at gofundme.com/w97qag or to take part in the raffle or to help at the family fun day contact Deri Groves on 07514 820 325.