A decision to make a life-extending cancer drug available on the NHS has come too late for one Halesworth family after a campaigning mother and grandmother died earlier this year.

Eastern Daily Press: Halesworth pays tribute to Jane Ringwood. PHOTO: Nick ButcherHalesworth pays tribute to Jane Ringwood. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2017)

Jane Ringwood (formerly Kircher) died aged 65 on February 23 this year after a two-year battle with lung cancer.

But during her fight the former end-of-life nurse, who was described as a 'heroine', campaigned for the drug nivolumab to be available through NHS England.

Today, England's drugs watchdog approved nivolumab through the fast-track Cancer Drugs Fund - a pot of money set aside for treatments which aren't yet routinely available.

Originally it had been deemed too expensive and more evidence will now be gathered on its cost-effectiveness.

Eastern Daily Press: Jane Ringwood from Halesworth is urging people to sign a petition for a Cancer treating drug to be available on the NHS. PHOTO: Nick ButcherJane Ringwood from Halesworth is urging people to sign a petition for a Cancer treating drug to be available on the NHS. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

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And while Mrs Ringwood's daughter Denise Kircher welcomed the decision, she admitted it was 'bittersweet'.

Ms Kircher said: 'It's so great to hear it has now been approved. Mum was so passionate about it and not just for her own benefit but for other sufferers who hopefully can now benefit from this 'wonder drug' as it's often been referred as.

'For us as a family it is another bitter sweet memory and reminder about just what a remarkable person our mum was.'

Eastern Daily Press: Jane Ringwood with her family at her wedding with husband Oliver Ringwood. Names TBCJane Ringwood with her family at her wedding with husband Oliver Ringwood. Names TBC (Image: Archant)

Last year, Mrs Ringwood told this newspaper: 'Even if the drug comes too late for me hopefully other patients and families won't be placed in this awful situation.'

MORE: Tributes paid to Halesworth fundraiser who was 'Simply the Best'

At the time she was one of an estimated 1,000 people in England the medication could help. It was already available in Scotland.

The late Sunday Times restaurant critic AA Gill also advocated for its use, describing nivolumab as 'more life spent on Earth - but only if you can pay'.

Eastern Daily Press: Jane Ringwood with her family at her wedding with husband Oliver Ringwood.Jane Ringwood with her family at her wedding with husband Oliver Ringwood. (Image: Archant)

Now, its approval means about 1,300 people will now be eligible for the drug on the NHS.

Mrs Kircher added: 'Of course, she knew she might not have met the criteria had it been approved, but she would be pleased to know it would help other people.'

'I know mum would be so happy and grateful for all the support she was given with the petition in getting nivolumab made available in the UK. She was never one to shy away from a challenge and always determined to achieve her goals no matter what she had going on herself. We as a family miss her so much everyday but she remains forever close in our hearts and memories.'

What is nivolumab?

Eastern Daily Press: Jane Ringwood with her family at her wedding with husband Oliver Ringwood.Jane Ringwood with her family at her wedding with husband Oliver Ringwood. (Image: Archant)

Nivolumab, also known as its brand name Opdivo, is a type of immunotherapy which stimulates the body's immune system to fight cancer cells.

It costs in the region of £60,000 to £100,000 a year and although it was made available for the treatment of advanced skin cancer in February 2016, it can also be used to treat blood cancer (Hodgkin lymphoma), kidney cancer and the most common type of lung cancer - non small-cell lung cancer.

Prof Carole Longson, from NICE, said: 'We know that nivolumab is clinically effective for some people with lung cancer, but the full extent of its benefit is not clear.

'This new deal means that we can give patients access to what we know is a promising treatment whilst more evidence is gathered on its value.'

Eastern Daily Press: Oliver Ringwood and Jane Ringwood, of Halesworth, who married earlier this year. Jane has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.Oliver Ringwood and Jane Ringwood, of Halesworth, who married earlier this year. Jane has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Jane Ringwood with her grand-children - names TBC.Jane Ringwood with her grand-children - names TBC. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Jane Ringwood with her sisters Carol and Jill and mum Maisey. Picture: Courtesy of Denise Kircher.Jane Ringwood with her sisters Carol and Jill and mum Maisey. Picture: Courtesy of Denise Kircher. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Jane Ringwood with her granddaughters Daisy and Matilda. Picture: Courtesy of Denise Kircher.Jane Ringwood with her granddaughters Daisy and Matilda. Picture: Courtesy of Denise Kircher. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Jane Ringwood on her wedding day with her daughter Denise, husband Ollie and son David. Picture: Courtesy of Denise Kircher.Jane Ringwood on her wedding day with her daughter Denise, husband Ollie and son David. Picture: Courtesy of Denise Kircher. (Image: Archant)