It's pretty clear that the judgment provides guidance to all N.H.S. authorities. For patients, it means that if a doctor properly prescribes the drug, the local health authority can't issue a blanket refusal on the grounds of cost or regulatory reasons.

So far, their case, against Ms Rogers, is estimated to have cost upwards of £50,000.

So far, their case, against Ms Rogers, is estimated to have cost upwards of ú50,000.

This truly landmark judgment makes clear to primary care trusts that they cannot overlook the clinical needs of the patient. People need to be confident that they will receive the drugs that their doctor prescribes for them, and it is therefore good news for doctors and patients alike.

She is devastated at the outcome but she is determined to take her fight for this drug to the Court of Appeal. She urged fellow sufferers to campaign for the right to equal access for all life saving medicines.

So far, their case, against Ms Rogers, is estimated to have cost upwards of £50,000.