A DINAS Powys man has been given an early Christmas present after he was finally prescribed a cancer drug he had been campaigning for.

Ronald Squires was initially refused the Axitinib drug by the Cardiff and the Vale University Health Board as the drug was yet to be approved for use in Wales.

His campaign was backed by Vale MP Alun Cairns, who criticised the lack of a cancer drug fund in Wales and said he had become the victim of a “postcode lottery”

Mr Squires and his family featured in last week’s Penarth Times (December 18) as they desperately appealed for the local health board to reverse the decision.

Their prayers were answered when they received a phone call from Mr Squires’ oncologist saying that he could pick up his new prescription, and they went down to the Velindre Cancer Centre to start his new treatment.

Ronald’s daughter, Lynne Squires, said that the family were delighted with the decision as it would prolong and improve her father’s quality of life.

“It’s going to make a huge difference,” she said.

“There are a lot less side effects and we are hoping that he will be feeling a lot better.”

She said it was a “huge relief” to be granted the drug and thanked everyone that had supported them and backed their campaign.

“We had such a good response it’s been a huge team effort from everyone across the Vale.

“We are delighted that everyone pulled together.”