Among the founders, all of whom were diagnosed with breast cancer before October 2005, are two courageous constituents: Suzanne Digwood of Loughton, and Shelagh Jesson of Broseley.
Both have been advised they would benefit from Herceptin, yet have been refused treatment on the NHS by Shropshire health chiefs who claim Whitehall's drug experts have not yet cleared the drug for use in early stage patients.
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt says it is up to individual health trusts to make their own decisions. They should not use lack of funds as an excuse for blocking Herceptin.
But although many trusts are in the red, including Shropshire to a spectacular extent, Mrs Hewitt has not offered any extra cash. This is a classic example of government muddle and the injustice of the current system.
On the NHS, it costs the health trust £21,000 per person per year to supply this vital treatment. A private patient pays up to £47,000. From her own heroic charitable efforts, Suzanne Digwood has managed to raise enough money to start her treatment. This might have been free had she lived in a neighbouring county.
The postcode lottery for life-saving drugs has to stop and Mrs Hewitt has to ensure that all patients get the treatment they need, irrespective of where they live.
