WHEN cancer patient Ann Wilkinson was denied a potentially life-prolonging drug two years ago, her refusal to take that decision lying down struck a chord nationwide.

Mrs Wilkinson, of Usk, who has died aged 76, took her fight to have the drug Avastin made available to patients in Wales, to the Senedd in Cardiff and to 10 Downing Street.

Her protest triggered a debate about whether Wales should have a Cancer Drugs Fund like England, where Avastin was available.

It was backed by a petition started by her friend Julie McGowan, which attracted more than 98,000 signatures and which in November 2014, was the biggest ever handed in at the Senedd.

Mrs McGowan paid fulsome tribute to Mrs Wilkinson as someone who took her fight onto a broader stage to help others.

When the petition was handed in, the decision to deny Mrs Wilkinson - who had bowel cancer, which had spread to her liver and adrenal glands - with Avastin on the NHS had been reversed.

"We started the campaign because she was refused Avastin, like many others," said Mrs McGowan, who also lives in Usk.

"The decision for Ann was reversed with no real explanation, but she carried on fighting for others.

"In the end, Avastin gave her 18 months of life she probably wouldn't have had. It reduced the tumours, did what she wanted it to do."

Mrs Wilkinson had to come off Avastin after suffering side effects from the chemotherapy she had to have with it, and another drug proved unsuitable.

"But because she did so well on Avastin, she had several months before becoming very ill again," said Mrs McGowan.

"She went to Paris to see her grand-daughter, then to Spain. She saw her grandchildren get degrees, learn to drive.

"This was not just about keeping someone alive, but about the drug being sufficiently effective for them to be able to do things, and Ann was able to, until the end of June.

"That's what we fought for. The petition just took off. The support from far and wide was incredible.

"Ann was a fighter and a perfectionist. She was determined that if we were going to do this, we were going to do it right. If we were going to have a fight, it would be a big one."

Mrs Wilkinson was made an honorary burgess by Usk town council last year.

Originally from Middlesbrough, she moved to Usk in 1987 with husband Allan, who was relocated with his job.

They played a key role in founding Usk Panto Players, to help raise funds to revive the town's then ailing Memorial Hall.

Mrs McGowan got to know the Wilkinsons when she and husband Peter got involved in the group's annual pantomime. She said the Panto Players helped keep her friend going through her illness.

"It was the love of her life, apart from Allan," said Mrs McGowan.

"Hundreds of thousands of pounds has been raised for the Memorial Hall, and Ann's drive and determination has played a key part.

"Everyone who helped care for her, the doctors, nurses, Velindre Cancer Centre, have been fantastic, and so have the people of Usk. Allan has been inundated with cards," said Mrs McGowan.

"Everything I remember about Ann involves fun. She was caring, determined, courageous, and a great friend."

A funeral service will take place at St Mary's Church in Usk on Tuesday September 27, at 11am. Those attending are asked to wear colourful clothes.