A woman from Croxley Green has completed a marathon to help pay for her friend's life saving medical treatment.

Keith Turnbull, of Frankland Road, was diagnosed with mesothelioma - a fatal cancer contracted through contact with asbestos – in October 2008.

He was originally given just six months to live, but is still alive thanks to a German procedure not currently available on the NHS or in the UK.

The 65-year-old and his wife Judith have travelled to Frankfurt to receive the treatment 13 times, costing £3,500 a trip.

Mrs Turnbull, 63, said: “It is helping to keep the cancer at bay, as currently Keith is still alive two and a half years after a 6 month prognosis, but it is also very expensive and hitting our pockets hard.

“We can only afford another four or five trips. Knowing the treatment is available but that we can't afford it is gutting. What price is life?”

On April 17, friend and neighbour Vicky Sylvester, also from Frankland Road, ran in the London Marathon to help raise money for Mr Turnbull's treatment.

Mrs Turnbull said: “Vicky came in at a stonking three hours and 49 minutes. She may not have run the race at the same pace as the elite but she certainly won the race in our hearts.

“Through her efforts to obtain sponsorship for Keith's Mesothelioma, people have been very generous in their contributions.”

Mr Turnbull contracted the disease some 20 to 30-years-ago, after being in contact with fibres found on his father's work overalls.

Because he came into contact with asbestos before the dangers of the heat proofing material were known, Mr Turnbull cannot claim any compensation for his condition, and has been forced to retire from his job in graphic design.

Mrs Turnbull said: “You only have three years to apply for compensation from time of diagnosis, and we have tried two or three different solicitors.

“Because Keith only lived with his dad and family up to 1968 when we married, and his dad transferred jobs, according to the solicitors it would be a very difficult case to prove.”

A link to Ms Sylvester's fundraising efforts can be found via the related link below.

Mrs Turnbull added: “There are many sufferers with whom I'm in contact on facebook and we call ourselves 'Meso-Warriors' because it is a continuous fight against this terrible, aggressive cancer.

“It will almost certainly affect many people who were in contact with Asbestos over 20 - 30-years-ago and who so far will be unaware that the clock is ticking.”

Donations in the form of a cheque can be sent to The Watford Observer, Observer House, Caxton Way, Watford, WD18 9RJ, made payable to “Keith Turnbull 'Meso' Warrior Fund Raising Account”.