Reg Wild, pictured, who has been a pillar of the athletic community here in 1066 Country for more than 30 years, was originally told by Hastings and Rother Primary Care Trust that the NHS would not fund pioneering treatment.

This was despite medical experts identifying the wonder drugs as the 70-year-old's only hope after chemotherapy and radiotherapy failed to impact on his Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Dozens of people contacted the Observer to register their disgust at the decision after we first told of Reg's plight in November - including many of the athletes the pensioner had helped train over the years.

Hastings MP Michael Foster led calls for the NHS to overturn its decision and give Reg a fighting chance at beating the disease.

And this week an appeal panel ruled in Reg's favour and ordered the Hastings and Rother PCT to begin treatment early in the New Year.

Speaking to the Observer shortly after hearing the decision, a delighted Reg said: "I am very pleased it (the PCT) has now agreed to fund the treatment I require to make me well.

"This has been a very humbling experience for me. I didn't expect any special treatment because of my involvment in athletics.

"All I wanted was what I believe everyone who is a National Insurance contributor's right and that is care when you need it."

Reg will now have to spend a week in a specially lined isolation pod in prepation for the treatment. He and his family will then have an anxious wait to see whether his body has responded to it.

But for Reg and his beloved wife Jean, the fact he is being given the chance to beat the cancer is enough for the time being. Jean told the Observer: "He has won this race (to get funding) - now he just needs to go for the gold medal and beat it. Hearing he was going to get the treatment was the best Christmas present we could have wished for."

Reg, who is still managing to pound the streets on weekly runs, said: "I hope following the PCT's realisation that procedure was at fault that others in my position will benefit."

Should Reg have had to appeal? What do you think of how the NHS has behaved? Leave your comments below.