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The obituary notice of DOROTHY 'DOT' GRIFFITHS

National | Published: Online.

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DOROTHY 'DOT' GRIFFITHSCampaigner Dorothy Griffiths, who led the successful national fight for a cancer wonder drug, has died.The 63-year-old who lived with terminal cancer for 11 years, died on April 23, 2010, with her two devoted sons Robert and Ross Irving and daughter-in-law Alison by her side.Dot, who lived in Hartshill, was first diagnosed with terminal breast cancer in 1999 and given just months to live.She heard about the experimental drug Herceptin which had showed remarkable life prolonging results – but which was not licensed for use on the NHS.She led her first national campaign and in 2001 won the right to be treated with Herceptin.Four years later tests showed the drug could also help women in the early stages of cancer to remain free of tumours after treatment – but then the drug was only licensed to treat terminal patients.Although she was already receiving Herceptin and was also on a gruelling course of chemotherapy, Dot organised fellow cancer patients into a campaign group, which took the fight for Herceptin to 10 Downing Street.The pressure Dot and her fellow campaigners brought to bear on the Government and primary care trusts directly forced a change in the law and highlighted the issue of postcode prescribing.More importantly, hundreds of women all over the country were able to receive the expensive treatment on the NHS – and are alive today because of the indomitable will of the mother-of-two and grandmother-of-five. Son Ross said: "We always knew this time would come, but that doesn't make it any easier. Words can't explain how much I'm going to miss her. It was very peaceful at the end. She fell into a deep sleep on Tuesday, which was what she wanted."His brother Robert said: "We've had so many positive messages from people. It is helping us to get through some difficult times, knowing that so many people are grieving with us and thought so much of our mum."Fellow campaigner and friend Lynne Burton said: "She was just an icon for all of us. So many people must owe their lives to Dot. She didn't have to fight for us, she was already on Herceptin and she did it all while receiving chemotherapy and being treated for her own cancer. Her family must be so proud of her."
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Published: 26/04/2010
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Tribute photo for Dorothy 'Dot' Griffiths
Dorothy 'Dot' Griffiths
funeral-notices.co.uk
01/02/2014
Comment

Dot & I were so excited to sail on the QE2 in July 2008 on one of her farewell voyages.We had talked of a cruise since losing my husband in 2006 and whilst we were travelling to Birmingham in May to attend a Christening, Dot read of this bargain holiday."Lets do it" she said & rang the booking operator, striking up a conversation with the young lady who told Dot her mother had just been diagnosed with breast cancer.Dot gave her lots of advice &
eight weeks later we stood on the deck sailing out of Southampton for the Mediterranean.
Dot ever patriotic was thrilled because of the Liner's history singing "Rule Brittania" at the top of her voice.I have such wonderful memories of that holiday but nothing made me more proud when a passenger came up to us one night and asked Dot if she was "The Herceptin Lady" she couldn't thank her enough because she was able to get the drug without any fuss.
Like everyone else I shall miss Dot's friendship & love.
On our last Goodbye as I walked away Dot shouted "I'll watch over you"
I know you will Dot.
Kathleen Yardley

Kathleen Yardley
30/04/2010
Comment

I am so sorry Dot has died. I was one of the first cancer patients to benefit from her herceptin campaign.
She was an inspiration to me in her selfless determination to help other people.
She was a real hero.

Ruth Mcinnes
30/04/2010
Comment

Mmy name is Alfie and I have cysticfibrosis and diabetes. Dot was a very nice lady to me and we were friends even thou \I am 10. Dot got me to meet stoke city footballer Simonson and we was in the sentanel. i want to be a solijer but i cant so dot let me meet her nepehew Dale. he is a real soljer. Dot and me always sent positiiv vibz to eachother and i will miss her she was a real hero.from Alfie x

Sally Shenton
29/04/2010
Comment

I first meet Dot over 15 years ago and was devistated to hear about her breast cancer. Having been diagnosed with grade III breast cancer in 2000 I understood what she was going through. Although mine was not terminal speaking to Dot gave me strength and courage to carry on. I know she would be very happy to hear that I have been clear of the cancer for the last 10 years and I now have 2 lovely girls. I was only 27 when diagnosed but Dot's encouragement helped so much. I will never forget her. My thoughts are with Ross and Robert and her grandchildren at this very sad time. She was an inspiration to all of us and I hope her good work will be carried on for future suffers of breast cancer be they terminal or not. You will be sadly missed xxxxxx

Julia Pearson (Nee Ball)
27/04/2010
Comment

Cancer drug Herceptin campaigner Dot Griffiths
A INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN & A TRUE CAMPAIGNER
RIP DOT
Kevin Healey
Chairman
Stafforshire Adults Autistic Society

Kevin Healey
26/04/2010
Comment
Candle shortcandle
Christine Salt
26/04/2010

I first Met Dot in 2006 when i was asked to escort her to our Trades Union Conference.
I believe i was privelaged to have been able to spend time with Dot and what an inspiration she was to us all. She spoke at our conference and received a standing ovation from all present. Dot showed what can be achieved if you fight for what you believe in.
God bless you Dot you will live long in our hearts. Gerald Crookes

Gerald Crookes
26/04/2010
Comment
Candle heart
WENDY ALEXANDER (nee CALLCOTT)
26/04/2010

A FRIEND FROM MY SCHOOL DAYS AND AN ANGEL FROM GOD.

Dot put up a good fight and won her battle to improve the quality of life for patients, by fighting for the drug Herceptin to be available to all women. She wanted other Cancer patients to enjoy life, to have the chance to get married, have children and grandchildren. She came to Norfolk to visit me a couple of year's ago, she said how grateful she was for having seen her sons married, and her grandchildren born, whilst her life was extended with the drug Herceptin. She also wanted to reach her 60th birthday, which she did with pride. Without this drug and attention from medical experts, it may not have been possible, so she put up her fight with grace and courage for every woman to have this wonderful opportunity of extended life and happiness.
In my opinion she was an Angel from God, a wonderful woman to have known for so many years, and I am proud to say she was my friend. I will never forget you Dot.
From your Manor Girls School Sports Captain 1961.
WENDY ALEXANDER nee CALLCOTT Norfolk.

Wendy Alexander (Nee Callcott)
26/04/2010
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Michael BRADLEY