Mr Lewis was married to Lynda Lewis only hours before she died

Lynda Lewis, who died aged 42, had to wait four months for a correct diagnosis of her condition, her family claims.

They believe the delay by the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust cost vital months when she could have been fighting the disease.

Mrs Lewis first went to her GP in February complaining of muffled hearing and dizziness but was told she had a cold.

When her condition did not improve, she was referred to the Kent and Sussex Hospital and treated for shingles, a virus related to chicken pox.

I'm very bitter a basic diagnosis and a normal procedure like a CAT scan weren't carried out Brother Chris Melia

It was only when she underwent a CT scan that her illness was correctly identified, her family said.

They have demanded an explanation from the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, which is now investigating.

Robert Lewis married Mrs Lewis in a ceremony held in a hospice hours before she died.

He said: "Usually when you find that symptoms persist rather than disappearing, a referral is made sooner rather than later."

React to treatment

Her brother Chris Melia also criticised the delay in identifying the cause of her illness.

"I'm very bitter a basic diagnosis and a normal procedure like a CT scan weren't carried out," he said.

"Maybe if it had been caught two or three months earlier she would have been strong enough to react to some treatment and she might be with us now."

The Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust said: "We have spoken and written to Mr Lewis to try to help him as much as we can while the investigation continues.

"We apologise for the delay but in order to investigate Mr Lewis's concerns thoroughly we need to obtain statements from all the staff involved in Mrs Lewis's case."

The matter has been raised with the Department of Health by MEP Peter Skinner.