Just two weeks ago grandfather of seven Trevor Evans, 57, was told by Powys LHB that they had decided not to fund the drug as he was "not exceptional," but his case was reviewed on Thursday and he will now be provided with the drug for three months, before the situation is reviewed again.

Mr Evans was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2005 and had his right kidney removed, but after regular scans he discovered in June 2007 that the cancer had spread to his bowel, lung and liver.

Having tried courses of two unsuccessful drugs - in June this year his consultant, Dr Farugin, suggested a new cancer drug, Sorafenib.

Clinical trials have found that Sorafenib, also known as Nexavar, can slow down the growth of kidney cancers that have spread, but it can not currently be prescribed on the NHS so the consultant, followed by Trevor's family, approached Powys Local Health Board (LHB) for funding.

Following Powys LHB's original decision, Trevor's daughter Sarah Hope said: "We would like to know what their definition of exceptional is. During the 12 weeks of waiting to hear his state of mind and health has deteriorated considerably.

"Over the past 10 years we have contributed monthly to cancer research and it makes us question the wisdom of this.

"It has been suggested that we pay for the drug ourselves which is something we can't afford to do and something we feel we shouldn't have to do. If we could afford to pay for the drug we would also have to pay for scans, blood tests, everything, as the NHS then turn their back on you.

"We feel that the NHS has the money but doesn't prioritise particularly well, as it is said that the NHS spends £300m a year on tattoo removal," she added.