THE FAMILY of a man who died during a cancer drug trial has been given around £300,000 in damages.

Gary Foster, of Roundhills in Waltham Abbey, died at University College London Hospital (UCLH) in October 2007, after being given twice the correct dosage of chemotherapy drugs.

Mr Foster had entered the clinical trial in June that year, after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

He was just 27 when he died.

The trust said a computer error was the reason Mr Foster was given the overdose.

A spokesman for the trust said: “UCLH can confirm that a settlement has been reached with the family of Mr Foster who sadly died in 2007 during the course of treatment for cancer.

“After his death UCLH co-operated fully with the coroner who concluded that death occurred as a result of an accidental healthcare event and that following a full investigation the trust had taken measures to prevent any recurrence.

“UCLH would once again wish to extend its condolences to Mr Foster's family.”

Mr Foster worked as a graphic designer, and set up his own business in Waltham Abbey.

He stood as a Conservative candidate in the Waltham Abbey Town Council elections in 2006, but lost out by just 43 votes.

More to follow.