Anger at veteran's nursing care snub

Former RAF Sergeant Bernard Warren, 86, who was a prisoner of war, was diagnosed with cancer of the stomach, liver and lungs two weeks ago and given two months to live.

His wife Tricia, 69, has nursed him at home in Bristol for six years as he fell victim to dementia but is now unable to cope with his failing health.

She turned for help from her local NHS trust and asked if her husband of 46 years could be moved into a nursing home to live out his final days with professional help.

But officials said his condition did not "tick enough boxes" and refused to fund the 3,500 a month care package.

Mr Warren's son Simon, 37, said: "They told us there was just not enough ticks in the boxes. He is not classed as being ill enough. My dad's dying. He fought for his country and was a prisoner of war and never asked for a penny from his country.

"Where is the justice, where is the reward? Mum has nursed him for six years without asking for anything at all. I think it is really unfair and so many people must be in the same boat."

Mr Warren joined the RAF at 18 and was a rear gunner based at RAF Elsham Wolds, Lincolnshire, during the Second World War.

He was shot down over Dusseldorf in April 1944 and forced to parachute out of his Lancaster bomber.

After the war he became a brewery area manager but still visited his old base every year until he was officially diagnosed with dementia three years ago, after showing symptoms several years earlier.

A spokeswoman for NHS Bristol said Mr Warren's family had applied for one type of care package, which he was found not to be eligible for.