Garry Edlin: Diagnosed with cancer in 1996

Garry Edlin, 47, from Torpoint in Cornwall, suffers from Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a rare and incurable cancer.

Taking Thalidomide, he says, was almost "miraculous" and the Derriford Hospital team is hoping to start a national trial of the treatment.

Mr Edlin was diagnosed as having Mantle Cell Lymphoma in 1996.

THALIDOMIDE Introduced in the 1950s to combat morning sickness in pregnant women Some babies had missing or shortened limbs About 40% of those children died within a year of their birth

He underwent five bouts of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant in an attempt to beat the disease.

By 2002 he could hardly walk, sleep or eat and doctors told him that in a few weeks the cancer would kill him.

But then Mr Edlin's new consultant, Dr Simon Rule, suggested Thalidomide.

Dr Rule's motivations were inspired by treatment of leprosy by Dr Jacob Sheskin, a doctor in Jerusalem in 1964.

His response is nothing short of remarkable Dr Simon Rule

Dr Rule said: "I was hoping that I would improve his symptoms - make him feel better - because we had really run out of every chemotherapy there was.

"And the fantastic side effect was that his disease disappeared - I didn't expect that at all. His response is nothing short of remarkable."

The tumours stopped growing and started shrinking.

Mr Edlin said: "Within 10 days these huge lumps had gone - it's like a miracle cure."

Mr Edlin is not immune to other side effects of the drug. His hands and feet have become numb and are prone to locking up, so he finds it difficult to move them.