A cancer sufferer who successfully fought to get the drug he needed to prolong his life has been told he now needs to switch to a new treatment.

Colin Ross has been taking Revlimid for more than a year following a High Court battle to force health bosses to pay for the drug, which was not available on the NHS at the time.

The treatment had dramatically improved his condition but medics say tumours are now starting to grow again.

The only drug that could possibly manage the spread of Mr Ross's multiple myeloma, a rare cancer of the blood and bones, is bendamustine.

The drug, which is available on the NHS, has only a 50-50 chance of working and if not successful, could leave Mr Ross with only six months to live.

Mr Ross, 56, of Park Rise, Horsham, said he was determined to stay positive.

He said: “The condition I have is terminal and I have always known that. This latest development is not exactly a shock or surprise.

“The doctors say this is my last chance and we shall just have to see how it goes.

“You just have to be positive about it all.

“I don't regret for a moment fighting to get the Revlimid treatment as it has worked miracles for me by reducing the tumours and spread of the disease.

“I am so grateful for having all of that extra time with my family and friends.

“I am also proud that my efforts have helped other people in the same position to get the treatment more easily.

“That has always been the biggest thing for me and it is good to know that I made a difference to people's lives in some way.”

West Sussex Primary Care Trust had refused to pay the £5,000 a month needed for the Revlimid because it said it was not cost effective but a High Court judge overturned the decision at a hearing last year.