THE case of a Blackburn skin cancer patient denied life-saving treatment because on NHS rules has prompted his MP to support the Melanoma Focus charity.

The town's MP Kate Hollern has raised the plight of Elliott Simpson of Green Park Close in Mill Hill with Prime Minster Boris Johnson and health secretary Sajid Javid.

The 26-year-old was diagnosed with stage four skin cancer in December 2020 but could not receive the recommended treatment with two immunotherapy drugs because of other medical problems.

When the use of just one proved inadequate he was told he was barred from receiving the second because of NHS red tape.

Elliott has spoke of his 18 month 'nightmare' and Mrs Hollern has described the rigid rules governing the treatment as 'perverse'.

Now the Blackburn Labour MP has attended a Westminster reception for Melanoma Focus to raise awareness of the deadly disease.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, accounting for one per cent of all cancer deaths and killing 2,300 people in the UK per year.

She met with specialists and patients with first-hand experience of melanoma to discuss the importance of symptom awareness and skin protection in reducing the growing number of melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK.

One in 36 men and one in 47 women in the UK will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in their lifetime. Yet 86 per cent of melanomas are preventable.

Ms Hollern said: "I'm very happy to support Melanoma Awareness Month. We desperately need to encourage people to take skin health seriously and ensure they protect themselves and their loved ones.

"The services that catch cases quickly and provide life-saving treatment are also critical to keeping our communities safe. We have a responsibility to make sure they're effective.

"I invite all who can to support and donate to this cause."