A determined mother has slammed the National Health Service after her cancer-stricken daughter was sent home from hospital to die - but has now been told in Germany she can be cured.

German hope - Molly Durkin with a picture of daughter Beverley along with grand-daughter Lucy and her son Lucas. Picture: TERENCE BUNCH 8CDA82

Beverley Pearce was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2000 and underwent a programme of gruelling treatment.

The 46-year-old, of Ramsden View, Wickford, was treated for a year at both Basildon and Barts Hospital, London, before being sent home last Christmas when she was told nothing more could be done.

Beverley's husband Paul scoured the internet and eventually found a private clinic in Germany. The couple seized the opportunity and made the trip to Europe - where doctors now claim there is a good chance Beverley could recover from the disease.

Beverley's mum Molly Durkin, of Moretons, Pitsea, said: "The private clinic has said they can cure her, not 100 per cent but about 80 per cent. Britain had given up on her and it seems it's all about money."

The 70-year-old, who runs her own children's cancer charity and lost her husband just last year, says she is appalled by the NHS.

However, the patient's consultant at Basildon Hospital, haematologist Dr Paul Cervi, said: "I have had many discussions with this patient and her family setting out what I believe her options are.

"I regret it if she feels we were not doing everything we could, because we have - and will continue to when she returns home. My thoughts are with her."

More on this story in today's Evening Echo

Published Tuesday, March 19, 2002