Watching, listening or reading about cancer patients who are struggling to get hold of the treatments they need has become commonplace in Wales. Rarely does a week go by when we don’t hear of the tragic plight of another patient struggling to get a life-prolonging treatment through our NHS.

Independent research recently concluded that patients in Wales are five times less likely than patients in England to gain access to some cancer drugs. The time has come to end that disparity. Welsh Conservatives have launched a petition calling for five million pounds to be invested in a Cancer Treatments Fund. This would increase access to drugs and treatments not routinely available in Wales – including recent innovations in radiosurgery – and assist in the expansion of mobile cancer treatment units. The petition will be available at all this summer’s Welsh shows and online at www.yourvoiceintheassembly.co.uk. Please show your support and help us convince the Welsh government that this tiny portion of the overall health budget should be spent specifically on those who continue to struggle to get the cancer treatment that would help them.

Darren Millar AM Clwyd West