Ian Clulow (48) suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and can walk only a few yards, has sensory problems with his hands and gets double vision because of his MS.

He had to give up work as an optician shortly after his diagnosis 15 years ago.

But now Ian has put himself forward for 'autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation' – a new treatment not yet available on the NHS that rebuilds a patients' auto-immune system to prevent further deterioration caused by MS.

Ian, of Acacia Drive, Lower Pilsley, said: "It's a very complicated disease. It can and does affect anywhere in the body where you have nerves, which is everywhere.

"It makes life extremely hard. The nearest way I have been able to describe it is that my legs are heavy like concrete, stiff like wood and weak like jelly all at once."

The treatment – which costs £24,000 – involves separating the regenerative stem cells in a patient's blood stream, giving them chemotherapy treatment and then re-implanting the cells to create a re-configured immune system.

There is a risk of contracting infection and the procedure has a five per cent mortality rate, but Ian is a perfect candidate due to his general fitness and health.

He said: "On balance it's looking like, apart from picking up infections when your immune system is low, it's a reasonably safe treatment.

"If it does work it leaves the doorway open for a further treatment that may help to reverse some of the deterioration that has happened so far."
He added: "I am not going to not have this treatment for the want of money. The worst case scenario is I would have to remortgage my house.

"But I am as healthy now as I ever will be and if I leave it longer I will be less suited to it as my disease progresses."

Despite his disability, Ian is an active member of the Matlock Gilbert and Sullivan Society and members are planning a fund-raising drive to help raise the money to pay for the treatment. Details of events will be posted at http://matlock gilbertandsullivan.org.uk/

helen.beighton@derbyshiretimes.co.uk


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