09/09/2011 Look North (East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire)

Good evening and welcome to BBC Look North. The headlines tonight:

Denied treatment, the former soldier who's been battling brain

cancer for eight years. My kids, my wife, they are what I am here for.

You know. And they need me. And I need them.

Tributes ten years on, the East Yorkshire man who escaped the death

and destruction of the Twin Towers. Those that went to the left and

right didn't survive but those of us that went straight down the

street did survive. It was that closed.

The late run in for Rovers. A last chance for the Robins to make the

Super League play-off places. And just when is it too soon to

start shopping for Christmas? A new campaign to limit it to December.

And it has been a lovely afternoon with temperatures in the low 70s.

Will it last for the weekend? Join Good evening.

It's a drug his doctor says could prolong his life, but a former

soldier from Gainsborough has been told the NHS won't fund his

treatment. Mark Bannister has brain cancer and wants to take the drug

Avastin. Because it's not officially recognised as a

treatment for brain tumours, he's struggling to get it. But if Mark

lived just 15 miles away in Scunthorpe, he would be entitled to

it. Phil Connell reports on the drug decision that's dependant on a

Playing with his family. These are precious days for Mark Bannister. A

rare type of rain cancer may have left him with just 12 months to

live for. According to his doctor, a drug called Avastin could prolong

his life but here, in Lincolnshire, the health body responsible for his

care, it is refusing to be prescribed. There are no words to

describe it. My kids, my wife, they I trust what I am here for. You

know. And they need me. For nine years, Mark served in the Army and

has received support from the British Legion. A social networking

sites has also been established to publicise his story and in the last

few days it has received more than 2000 hits. I feel they have played

God. They have chosen weather mark can live or not live. I am angry

and scared at the same time. It can be asked today but anybody else

tomorrow. The first make say they are the victims of a postcode

lottery. Just 20 miles away in Scunthorpe, Avastin is given free

to patients with the same type of cancer. And it is a similar

situation across the whole Yorkshire and Humber region where

the drug is also free to all patients that need it. In Mark

Bannister's area, applications are assessed by the East Midlands drugs

found crusade decisions are based If there is a chance of seeing

another two Christmases, and their birthdays, another 12 months extra

them what I have got, then it is worth a fight. Despite his

deteriorating health, he says he will keep fighting. And as a last

resort will move to an area where the treatment recommended by his

Earlier I spoke to Sarah Lindsell from a charity which works on

behalf of patients with brain tumours. She told me Mr Bannister's

situation was all too common. Every week we hear from hundreds of

Patients that are affected by brain tumours and, unfortunately, it is

the case that they seek fair and consistent treatment. If you live

just a few miles away in Yorkshire and Humber area, for example, you

could get the drug, but where -- not where he is. Is that there?

can only imagine how devastating it must be to find your oncologist has

suggested a drug regime for you that you cannot take an spend

longer with your loved ones, with your family because of where you

live. We need much fairer, much more consistent treatment. If a

course of treatment costs �21,000 per patient, it is down to the fact

there is not enough money. It is more about fairness and consistency.

Why is it in one area you can but in another you can't? If you want

and need to spend longer with your loved one Sunday drug can increase

your life expectancy, then we need fairness and consistency. What

about capitalised nice? What we can say is that it is very clear there

is a severe lack of investment nationally in finding a cure and

for better treatments for brain tumours and thousands of people

died every year as a result of a tumour fools stop if there is a

drug available which helps a patient, should it be the patient's

cost? It needs to be fair and consistent which is so key issue.

If there is a drug that can extend your life and can enable you to

live longer, it must be very, very difficult to be denied it based on

where you live. It needs to be fair and consistent. Very good to talk

to you. What do you think on this one

tonight? Should access to potentially life saving drugs

depend on where you live? How could the system be made fairer?

You can e-mail, a text, and to meet. In a moment:

Bidding to play ball. We meet the Lincoln Paralympic hopeful as Games

A documentary maker from Hull has spoken of his memories of 9/11.

Paul Berriff was caught up in the attacks on the World Trade Centre.

This weekend marks the 10th anniversary of the tragedy. Mark

and Christine Egan from Hull were killed when the Towers collapsed.

Their family have spoken for the first time about the day which

changed their lives forever. Linsey An event that defined a whole

decade. Paul Berriff is a documentary maker from Hull. He was

in New York making a film about animal welfare. When he heard a

plane had hit the Twin Towers... got itchy feet and my instinct

kicked in so I went and looked. I was there for about five seconds

with the camera, filming this torrent of debris coming towards me.

And then everything went black. I remember crawling through all of

this hot debris. It was in my mouth, up my nose, in my ears, I had to

put a finger in to clear my airways. I could hardly breathe. It depended

on how you ran down the street. Those that went to the left and

right didn't survive, but those of us that went straight down the

street did survive. It was that close. There were 67 British

victims of the terrorist attacks. Michael and Christine Egan were

from Hull. They are remembered here in the Peace Gardens. Michael

worked in insurance. His sister Christine was just visiting New

York. She was in the Tower as she wanted to see the view from her

brother's office. I spoke to Michael's son Jonathan, who is

still in New York. He remembers his father's passion for sport in Hull.

My father wasn't -- when my father wasn't in a suit, he was either in

a rugby jersey or a Hull city Jerzy or wearing a T-shirt saying, it is

never dull in Hull. He was very fortunate enough to get a phone

call from my mother, because it gave my mother some closure in the

fact that he was able to say goodbye to her, he was able to tell

her, to kiss the kids, and he got the point across he wasn't coming

home because he was trapped. Simon Cocklin from Humberside Police will

pay tribute to them this weekend. He's stand in the Guard of Honour

in the official remembrance ceremony at Ground Zero. It is

important that all the British civilians that died in the World

Trade Centre are represented by all of the police forces. Paul still

has the camera he used that day. Covered in the dust which almost

killed him. Another reminder of the day that changed the lives of

Experts have been monitoring the Humber Coast for the remains of a

dead whale that was found off Cleethorpes yesterday. It was

thought the 30-foot fin whale may be washed up with the tide. Earlier

in the week, the mammal had to be rescued from mudflats at Immingham

but, unfortunately, it couldn't be saved when it became stranded again

near Cleethorpes. It is believed a sighting of the whale this morning

was a false alarm. This morning, we had a report the whale had come up

on a sandbank between have -- between Cleethorpes. we presume he

is still out there. Bottles of illegal vodka have been

seized from a shop in Scunthorpe. Trading Standards are warning

people that the drink, labelled Drop Vodka, should not be drunk as

it contains rubbing alcohol, which is normally used as cleaning fluid.

Students have moved into their new building at the School of

Engineering in Lincoln. The �7 million school has been developed

by the University of Lincoln in partnership with engineering giant

Siemens. It will also see collaborations with other local

firms. Entrepreneurs in East Yorkshire are

being offered a share of a �300,000 investment fund. It comes as many

businesses are struggling to secure loans from the high street banks.

Leanne Brown has been to meet one company that's benefited.

Busy working on their latest order. Helix Precision makes parts for the

aerospace and medical industry. And they're just one of the companies

that have benefited from an investment fund. When companies

begin, it is very hard to get funding because the banks think

there is risk involved. The extra cash they've received has helped to

buy extra machinery, meaning more work and the creation of jobs The

major high street banks are falling short on a commitment to lend more

to small businesses, and public sector cuts means there's less

government funding available. has made a great deal of difference

to us. When we are doing jobs, we have got a lot more capacity and

My members in the area tell me that they are having a lot of difficulty,

particularly those members that wished to increase their factory or

machinery. The banks are wary. help bridge the gap, Hull-based

telecoms firm Kingston Communications is putting �300,000

into a new fund. I think it is important for all large employers

in the area to step up to the plight. The private sector needs to

fill the gap where the public sector has left. It's hoped the

investment will help boost the local economy by enabling companies

Still to come on the programme... Fans gear up for a crucial game as

Rovers play to win the final Super League play-off place.

And is it too early for redecorating? Their campaign to

Tonight's photograph was taken by Jane Eyre, it is Kenwick Park.

Another picture on Monday night at the same time.

Paul is at the National Science Festival in Bradford, which brings

together 350 of the best brains in science in the country.

His is the beginning of a very exciting week. Before I get on to

the weather, bang goes the theory of the star performer this weekend.

And we have got someone from that series to show us an experiment.

The problem is that if you want water you have to make it fall from

-- wait for it to fall from the sky. Here we make our own by reacting

hydrogen and oxygen! That is what you get with hot air! So you should

be careful, Peter! Says this is going to be fantastic, it has

singed my hair, what I have left of it! There is all sorts going on in

Bradford sold --. Also there is a lot going on with the weather,

there is talk all fall-out from Hurricane Catia, severe gales

across East Yorkshire and across East Yorkshire and

Lincolnshire's. But right now, this evening, it is OK. There is some

sunshine this evening. There is just a risk of one or two showers

pushing up from the South. But very hit and miss, and apart from some

patchy rain later on it will be mostly dry and very warm for

September - 16 degrees Celsius in Lincoln. The all-important weekend

forecast: It will be reasonable in the morning, a lot of cloud and

some patchy drizzle in places. But on a whole, dry weather. Then there

will be a cold front, that could bring a bit of patchy rain from the

West. But it will be small and some places will stay dry. Cloudy, a bit

of sunshine, the risk of a shower, 22 degrees Celsius is a high. A

moderate south-westerly wind. Sunday is bright and windy with

sunny spells and a few showers. And Sunday-night into Monday there is

some concern about the Harry came, it looks like strengthening winds,

so stay posted with the forecast. I so stay posted with the forecast. I

will be back on Sunday. Did you really have to put earmuffs on for

that?! It was not a little path. It blew off live -- up my legs! They

have seen it all before, Peter! joy the science festival.

Thank you were getting in touch about the news on last night's

programme that high-street shops continue to face tough trading

conditions. It shows that some shopping areas in our region have

more than one-quarter of premises standing empty. Grimsby has the

worst figures, with 27 % of shops vacant. A few of you a message has.

Peter Ingram is be says there are 50 shops in Freeman Street that had

50 shops in Freeman Street that had Thank you for all of those messages.

All next week we are looking at the issues affecting servicemen and

servicewomen from the East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Armed

Forces Week starts on Monday's programme, and we will be following

some new recruits -- recruits who are leaving home and starting their

training. Today is 355 days until the start

of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. You can now apply to be there in

person. Many people struggle to get tickets for the Olympic Games

earlier this year. But one Paralympic hopeful says people

should stand a better chance of getting tickets this time round.

Andy Skinner is hoping to be at the Paralympics next year, as part of

the Great Britain sitting volleyball team. While he is

working hard, he things getting a ticket to watch should be quite

easy. I think it will be better than the able-bodied Olympics,

because it is not as popular as able body. So I think, they go on

sale today, to watch us play is about 15 counts. I have sent e-mail

still a lot of people, and I think there should be enough to go round

on the day. So will the people of Hull be trying their luck? I would

like to apply to watch it, yes. haven't got the money, up with a

transport to London. I wish I could go. It has been confirmed that 1.2

million people were unsuccessful with their applications for tickets

for the London Olympics. The story of the Olympic tickets

was more about have not stand a haves. Four many of those people,

the Paralympics will represent their best chance for sampling the

atmosphere of London 2012. It will give a lot of people a chance to

see some of these boards they missed out on at the Olympics. And

it is disappointing that not as many people cost to see things they

wanted to see at the Olympics. But I would encourage everyone to apply

for Paralympics to pick -- take its. How can you get in on the action?

There are two main tickets up for grabs, many of them will be priced

at �10 or less. You can apply before the window shuts on 26th

September. But if demand exceeds supply, the dreaded ballot will

decide who gets to watch this sport Xantia is disappointed.

Good luck if you are calling for tickets. Be it is winner-takes-all

at Cravan Park tomorrow. Hull Kingston Rovers the be trying

to secure an appearance in the Super League play-offs. It would be

a remarkable turnaround in their fortunes after a slow start to the

season. But a defeat by Castleford would bring their season to an

The perfect start, at try, and another try!

A thrilling win in France against the Catalans last week saw Rovers

replace Castleford in the play-off places. Setting up a dramatic

winner-takes-all clash between themselves and the Tigers at Cravan

Park. The best way to go on to it a play-off is on a winning streak.

the last few weeks that been the same pressure, whatever they have

done over the last few weeks it is really important that they win this

one. The Robins are effectively starting sudden-death rugby one

week early. With victory here on Saturday, they would be rewarded

with that final play-off place. But if they lose, it is all over.

think they all know what is at stake. And they have all worked

very hard to get to this position. And I do not think they will let

the opportunity go by them without putting in all the effort. Former

Rovers legend turned landlord George Fairburn knows all about the

pressures of going into bigger games. Do not make mistakes early

on. If they get their own game going individually. If they do not

win tomorrow... For a just and the end his career. With seven wins on

the trot, the Robins go into the game as favourites. At with coach

Justin Morgan and seven players leaving at the end of the season, a

win and a play-off place would be the purse -- perfect a leaving

present. You can follow that game on BBC

Radio Humberside on FM and also online tomorrow. Kick-off is at

5:45pm. It has been confirmed that outgoing

Hull FC coach Richard Agar is moving to Wakefield Wildcats.

Speculation about who will replace him continues. The talk is of

Australian Peter Gentle. But Richard Agar says that will not

distract the players from tonight's game. We are feeling confident and

good about ourselves. It has been a difficult week, but I would praise

the players were the focus during training. And there is a chance

that we can win, that is a good Hull City are playing this weekend

after the break for international matches. The Tigers travel to

Peterborough where they will have to continue their winning form.

That would build on their recent 1- 0 victory over wedding. Four it

will be the game in which we have to be physically ready for the game,

but also ready mentally full what will be a very high-tempo game. We

have to match them and make sure have to match them and make sure

Scunthorpe United are looking for their first win of the season, but

face a difficult task against Sheffield United. In the conference

Blue Square Bet Premier, Lincoln City will be looking for their

City will be looking for their second win of this season against

Kettering Town. And Grimsby Town are at home against Hayes and

Yeading. That will be on Radio Yeading. That will be on Radio

It is only September, but it seems that Christmas may be coming

earlier than usual. Reports had been reaching us at Christmas has

broken out early in the shops, garden centres and hotels in East

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. It has prompted Radio Humberside to start

a campaign to keep Christmas in Christmas is a magical time of year.

Everything has more twinkle. The cold weather gives us breathtaking

landscapes. And people do funny things. But already, you were

thinking, why is this weird though even talking about Christmas? The

children have just gone back to school, we are in 24 degree heat

and the flowers are in full bloom. I'm talking about it because

current events are forcing me to. My first example is near Lincoln.

Just look how his garden centre is already transforming into a

Christmas grotto. We are not going to sell much garden furniture as

the weather turns. Obviously, if we start putting Christmastide,

hopefully they will start buying. It is only men who start -- wait

until December. I am as guilty as any one! And even where the

Christmas trees grow, as September Christmas-tree frenzy has begun.

There are some customers who like to be ready, they are buying potted

trees did it in the garden before the season really kicks off. So

that they can get the outside trees decorated. It is not only

Lincolnshire folk. Those in the East Riding I know better. There is

a fully decorated Christmas tree at the Room at a hotel. Their first

Christmas party is on 30th September. They have no shame.

would like to introduce our beautiful Christmas tree, which I'm

sure you will agree is tastefully decorated. We have our first

Christmas party at the end of this month. The theme for this year is

James Bond, and here he is... some people like it,... And some do

not. I think it is really a bit early. And a man he has no deep --

have many campaigns against it. Fair enough, people are doing

Christmas shopping early, spread the money throughout the year.

but when Christmas is being rammed down your throat in September it is

a bit much. But let's face it, this is a train either of us can stop,

and we are in for the long right. So if you cannot beat them, Merry

Christmas, everyone. A fake James Bond and Andy comfort

all in one film. Do not forget, if you have a story that we think --

you think we should know about, drop me an e-mail. A recap of the

main headlines: Americans brace themselves following a credible

terrorist threat 10 years after 9/11.

Calls for fairer treatment after a brain cancer did teach -- patient

is told his local health the authority will not fund his needs.

Temperatures tomorrow up to 22 degrees Celsius.

On the subject of Avastin and that story, James has sent a message to

say that the young man should get the treatment he deserves. It is a

disgrace that a man who fought bra country should not get a drug for

cancer. John says that he thought the NHS

was there for all. How wrong I am. Shocking that people do not have

access to drugs. And from James, you do not pay a

different amount of National Insurance depending on where you

live. So treatment should be available to all.

Tin says if that was me, I would move. Parents moved to being a good