Lung cancer sufferer Roy Harward is now hoping for experimental drug treatment after Wandsworth health bosses twice refused his chemotherapy.

Terminally-ill Mr Harward, 70, from Fontley Way, Roehampton, was refused two chemotherapy drugs by Wandsworth Primary Care Trust (PCT), which could have prolonged his life, on cost-effectiviness.

But Mr Harward has been told he can go for experimental drug treatment at the world famous Royal Marsden Hospital - but only if he is fit enough.

Mr Harward, whose cancer is asbestos related, has to recover from an infection caused by the tumour before he can go for treatment.

He said: "They want me to get more fit, the infection has to be cleared up first. It is really painful. I have to roll on my side to get up in the morning and I have to sit upright. I am taking some painkillers."

Putney MP Justine Greening said she would press the government to have Alimta - the first chemotherapy drug refused to Mr Harward - declared an orphan drug.

To qualify as an orphan drug, the number of people needing treatment by the drug would have to be extremely low.

Mrs Greening said: "It is an horrendous situation and I have greaty sympathy for Mr Harward."