New hope for brave Abi in life-saving treatment battle

Abi Longfellow suffers from a one-in-a-million kidney disease called Dense Deposit Disease (DDD), which stops the kidneys from filtering waste from the blood.

A petition set up by her devoted parents, Andy and Jo Longfellow, to get Abi, 13, the drugs she needs has been signed by more than 200,000 people.

The Yorkshire Evening Post reported the teenager, from Robin Hood, Wakefield, wrote a heartfelt letter to Prime Minister David Cameron asking for his help last year.

A landmark victory has reportedly seen NHS England overturn their decision to enable the teenager to access Eculizumab, which costs £393,000 a year, according to The Sunday People.

The family said on their Facebook page today: “This is a serious breakthrough!

“An enormous breakthrough!

“Abi’s consultant believes she currently meets the criteria and is now writing up Abi’s transplant protocol.

“What we don’t know for certain is how long the treatment will continue for, even if effective.”

The statement on the social media site added that a final decision will be made in March about Abi’s treatment.

It added: “Therefore we are holding back an overwhelming urge to celebrate until we can hold that policy in our hands and understand the impact of any conditions it sets for patients.

“Abi’s consultant is overwhelmed at what we have achieved but we could never have done this without your unconditional support.

“Until March we will keep fighting and ask others to keep sharing and signing Abi’s petition for what has to be the only logical outcome for Abi and others.”

Abi’s story captured the hearts of the nation and even received support from music mogul Simon Cowell.

He tweeted a link to the family’s petition and said: “Let’s help save this wonderful girl.

“Abi deserves all the help we can give her. Save Abi.”