A FORMER WGC postman, who successfully fought with health bosses for the right to use a life-enhancing drug after he was diagnosed with a rare bone marrow cancer, has died. Ken Cole, who had myeloma, died of internal bleeding, not thought to be connected

A FORMER WGC postman, who successfully fought with health bosses for the right to use a life-enhancing drug after he was diagnosed with a rare bone marrow cancer, has died.

Ken Cole, who had myeloma, died of internal bleeding, not thought to be connected with his terminal disease, last weekend.

He was 63.

Daughter Selina said: "We take some comfort in a way, because it wasn't the cancer that killed him; that would have been long and drawn out."

As previously reported in the WHT, Mr Cole, of Great Ley, had a lengthy battle with the PCT (now NHS East and North Hertfordshire) over his treatment.

He was finally prescribed Revlimid, thanks to a change in national guidelines.

Helping in his plight was Welwyn Hatfield MP Grant Shapps, who this week paid tribute to him.

Mr Shapps said: "It's obviously very sad.

"Ken fought an amazing battle [with the PCT].

"It's sad he had to fight so long and hard for the drug he should have had anyway.

"My thoughts are with his family.