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Heartbreak gift as family club together to save Brian's eyesight
A FAMILY are clubbing together in a desperate bid to stop a grandad going blind.
Health chiefs have denied Brian Turner, 74, the drug Avastin.
The drug is needed to stabilise wet age-related macular degeneration, which he suffers in his left eye.
But his family are refusing to allow Brian, of Oaks Green Mount, Rastrick, to lose his sight.
Children Julie Atkin-son, 47, Stuart Turner, 50, grandchildren Charlie Turner, 16, Danielle Turner, 17, and 14-year-old Miles Turner, Debbie Atkinson, 24, and Lisa Youell, 30, are dipping into their savings to pay for the 6,300 treatment.
Danielle is giving 100, plus money she earns at Waterstones in Hudders-field. She said: "I usually spend my wages on clothes. But I'm happy to give all that up for Grandad."
Brother Miles is sacrificing 165 he saved for a flat-screen TV.
Daughter Julie Atkin-son, of Hove Edge, Brighouse, said: "We will make sure he gets Avastin."
Brian said: "This situation has made me realise how important my eyesight is. My vis-ion is blurred so I worry I won't be able to see my grandchildren grow up. It's touching everyone wants to help."
Brian, a former Yorkshire Electricity inspector, has been married to Pauline for 52 years.
She said they could afford three of the 700 injections. But Brian may need nine.
She said: "I was so taken aback when everyone offered to help. It made me cry.
"But families should not have to do this. We have worked all our lives and paid our taxes. But when something like this happens we are not allowed treatment that should be readily available."
Debbie, who is contributing 500, said: "Saving the money will put a strain on us, but that doesn't bother us."
A Calderdale Primary Care Trust spokeswo-man said it could not comment on the case but recommended Mr Turner contact its patient advice liaison service.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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