THE family of a Second World War veteran from Haslemere feared he might not live to receive his recent Arctic Convoy Star medal due to "inhumane" treatment at the Royal Surrey County Hospital.

Lou Palmer, granddaughter of Robert Remnant, always known as John, told The Herald how she had to battle with the hospital authorities and appeal to his MP – Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt – in a desperate attempt to speed up her 89-year-old grandfather's operation for bladder cancer.

The vital op was postponed from July 13 to August 8 and his condition deteriorated alarmingly.

Further distress was caused both to Mr Remnant and his family by having to fight to keep him in hospital – despite his rapidly deteriorating condition.

For full story, see this week's Haslemere Herald.