A devoted husband who spent the past five years watching his wife fall victim to motor neurone disease has hit out at the National Health Service (NHS).

Bryan Harvey's wife Ann died two weeks ago of the disease which causes a breakdown of the nerves in the brain and spinal cord resulting in wasted muscles.

The 69-year-old grandfather, who spent more than £30,000 on equipment and care for his wife, said he had to fight to get help from the NHS.

Mrs Harvey, who was 70 and died four weeks before the couple's golden wedding anniversary, was diagnosed with the terminal disease in 2001.

Long waiting lists and a shortage of NHS neurologists meant the former tailoress and wood carver felt she had no option but to be treated privately.

By the time Mrs Harvey was diagnosed she was over the age of 65 and therefore unable to claim Disability Living Allowance.

This meant Mr Harvey, who was forced to retire from his job as a graphic designer to care for his wife, had to find the money to pay for any extra equipment she needed.

Mr Harvey said: "It seems to me that they string you along telling you you can have something and just hope you don't need it.

"They would sooner you die first before they have to spend any money."

A Trust spokesman said: "Our condolences go out to the patient's family and friends at this very sad time.

"If the family has any concerns about the treatment she received, or the services that we provide, we would urge them to contact us so we can investigate them.

"There has always been a very high demand for neurological services and every effort has always been made to see and treat patients in the best possible way."

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