We told how Ian Bowers' wife, Jane Richards, 41, launched a fundraising campaign two weeks ago after Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust refused his oncologist's application for Sutent, saying the drug was their "last hope".

Since then, the couple have received donations and pledges – including an offer of £5,000 by an anonymous individual – to cover the £9,000 for a first course of treatment.

Ian, 40, who lives on The Hill, Cromford, said: "It's overwhelming, I can't thank people enough. It restores your faith in humanity.

"It seems to be the case that people won't stand for it – that there are organisations with this money that can pay for this drug and won't pay for it."

The former care assistant was diagnosed with a rare form of endocrine system cancer in 2008 which had spread to his lungs.

After several radioactive treatments proved ineffective, his oncologist applied for funding from Derbyshire PCT for Sutent – a drug recently approved by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence for patients with advanced kidney cancer but not neuroendocrine.

Ian had researched Sutent's use on endocrine tumours in other countries online and claimed there was evidence it had shrunk and even eradicated growths.

With the cash now in place, Ian will start the first of three four-week cycles of treatment in around a fortnight.

He said: "I've got no expectations as to whether this Sutent will work
or not but out of all the options put before me, it's the best one.

"Everything I've read about the drug is positive whereas chemotherapy is more likely to do more harm than good."

If the first round proves effective, Ian will need a further three
cycles of the drug – costing another £9,000.

In a bid to raise the money, collection boxes have been placed at locations around Derbyshire and a fundraising auction takes place at Masson Mill on Thursday, October 22, starting at 7.30pm.

The PCT declined to add to its previous statement, which confirmed it had received an official complaint from the family.

The statement said: "We are currently investigating the issues raised by the family and will be responding to them directly.

"In view of the ongoing investigation, we cannot comment on the details of this patient's case.

"The PCT's procedure for appealing decisions on funding requests allows patients to appeal a decision but this can also be appealed by the clinician on their behalf."

To donate to the campaign, visit www.ianbowers.co.uk