In September 2007, Stephen Dallison was given just a year to live. Diagnosed with kidney cancer, the 33 year-old was denied a little-known "wonder drug" called Sunitinib by Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust.

Three months later, he won a battle to get the PCT to overturn its original decision.

Mr Dallison died on Saturday but – in no small part because of the drug he was finally prescribed – he had enjoyed almost another 18 months of life.

After his personal victory he did not scuttle away quietly to enjoy his life in the privacy of his own home.

He used his time to help others suffering from this non-discriminating but evil disease fight for a chance of an extended life.

Today he will be remembered as a pioneer, a man who had the courage to take on the authorities –- and win.

His death was certainly not in vain. He started what has become a vocal, well-supported and extremely well-organised campaign in Oxfordshire and beyond — a campaign that has won recognition in the corridors of power. There are many alive today that owe Stephen Dallison a huge debt of thanks.