Gigs could help to save my life; EVESHAM: Musician battling cancer performs fund-raising concerts.

Byline: By Paul Bradley

A MUSICIAN from Warwickshire who is battling cancer is facing a desperate race against time to raise funds to save his life.

Kex Gorin, 58, from Great Alne, and his partner Sally Clark, 29, from Evesham, are fighting NHS chiefs after they refused to give Kex the life-extending drug Sutent.

With doctors giving Kex just six months to live, the couple are now desperately trying to raise pounds 3,000 for treatment that could double his life expectancy.

Sally, an artist who works in Evesham, said: "All the treatments Kex has had so far have been of very little benefit to him, but then doctors suggested this new drug that was available on the NHS.

"We were obviously delighted at first but then they told us there was a funding problem. I find it ridiculous and heartbreaking because in some parts of the country you can get the drug but in others you cannot.

"It really is a postcode lottery."

Kex, who used to be in rock band, Magnum, was diagnosed with advanced kidney failure two years ago and has been told by doctors that he may die before Christmas. Today he stepped up his battle to stay alive by announcing dates for a top gig that could raise the funds to buy cancer drug Sutent.

Dozens of friends and musicians are set to turn up to the gig at The Roadhouse Venue on Lifford Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham, on Sunday Acts include The Trevor Burton Band and The Andycapps and tickets cost pounds 5 on the door.

Sally said: "We hope to raise pounds 3,000 to pay for a course of the drugs for six weeks.

"If we raise enough we might be able to get another course for free from the NHS."

Kex and Sally are set to go before an individual case panel later this year where Kex's fate will be decided.

If things go their way Kex may be awarded the drug to keep him alive, but some experts claim there is no clinical evidence the medication works.

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SO IN LOVE... Kex and partner Sally.