Three cancer patients from the district have hit out after it emerged a terminally ill cancer patient is planning to move to Scotland to access treatment that could prolong his life.

George King, 56, has fought the bone marrow cancer Multiple Myeloma twice.

The aggressive condition will return and the electrical engineer from Skelton, Teesside, has been advised that any further treatment would involve the drug Velcade, which has not been approved for use in England.

Mr King is now preparing to move to the Scottish borders where the drug is available.

His plight mirrors that of three local Multiple Myeloma patients - Bradford midwife Jacky Pickles, Marie Morton, of Keighley and Janice Wrigglesworth, of Cowling - who are known as the Velcade Three.

They have been leading a campaign for Multiple Myeloma patients to get the drug Velcade on their third relapse.

Mrs Pickles, has already benefited from the drug after taking part in a clinical trial and says it transformed her life.

But the three were shocked last year when NICE (The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) said it would not approve the drug for use in England as more research was needed into its effectiveness.

They yesterday issued a statement calling on NICE to think again.

"Cancer patient George King is not the only person on the verge of moving to Scotland where the life extending drug is available on the NHS," they said.

"Why should those suffering from the bone marrow condition multiple myeloma be forced to leave their families, friends and homes in England?"

If you have myeloma and would like to contact the three call them on 01535 665017.

e-mail: claire.lomax@bradford.newsquest.co.uk