A dying mother is calling for the backing of her community in her fight to get life-saving drugs from a health authority.

Sarah Steele and her family have launched a petition and want businesses and individuals to help them reach their target of 10,000 signatures as quickly as possible.

Time is not on Sarah's side as she is about to undergo gruelling radiotherapy treatment in the new year and will need to start taking the drug herceptin three weeks later.

Sarah, 42, a mother of seven, has breast cancer and has been told by her consultant herceptin is the best drug for her.

Adur, Arun and Worthing Primary Care Trust, which is responsible for releasing the funds for the expected £30,000 cost of treatment, has refused to authorise payment.

It says it is because the drug is not licensed in the UK yet and it has a duty to ensure patient safety.

However Sarah, from Worthing, and her family have accused it of refusing because the drug is too expensive and are vowing to fight the decision all the way to the European courts if necessary.

Sarah said: "We have already had a lot of interest from people keen to sign the petition. They have been very supportive and are urging us to go for it."

Sarah's family, including sister Bernadette Whittle, brother Peter McCabe and sister-in-law Ann McCabe, have been working to make sure the petition is sent to businesses, pubs and as many other places as possible.

Sarah said: "We are appealing against the PCT's decision and we need all the support we can get so we would really like to hear from people interested in signing or helping us out."

As Sarah's fight continues, details of another woman's struggle to get treatment has emerged.

Lesley Tipler, 52, from Polegate, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February and has just finished chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She has also been told by her consultant herceptin is the best drug for her but has been caught in the middle of a dispute over where the money will come from.

The Sussex Cancer Centre at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton says the money has to come from her local Eastbourne Downs PCT.

The PCT says it does not have the funds and the cancer centre should pay.

Lesley, who is married to Philip, 53, and has a daughter of 22 and a son of 17, works in the library at Brighton University's Eastbourne campus.

She said: "My consultant has said that there is a high risk of my cancer returning but recent studies suggest that 12 months' therapy with herceptin may reduce the risk of this happening by 50 per cent. I believe that I have been refused herceptin solely on the grounds of cost.

"Women elsewhere are receiving herceptin. I feel discriminated against simply for living in Sussex."

Copies of Sarah's petition are available on 01903 603304 or at classican@yahoo.com