I was diagnosed with MS in the year 2000. It took a couple of years to get my diagnosis but since then the quality of my life as deteriorated, because my ability to be able to do the things I could previously do has vanished.

I had been a plumber (lead/zinc/copper) all my life and I did not want to give up work & never took time off if I could help it, but then one day in 2006 I had a really bad fall off of a roof because of MS. The next day I had bad spasms in the morning, so I took the day off. From that day, I was never able to return back to work. I had always worked really hard, and it is very hard for me that I can no longer work, to provide more for my family.

I had always been a very active person. I trained kid’s karate & was the coach for my son’s football team. I also would take part in 5-a-sides and I played for Orient Vets. My granddaughter loves to play football- it is frustrating for me that I cannot play with her & teach her the way I was able to with my kids.

This year my oldest daughter is getting married but I cannot walk her down the aisle. I would love to be able to dance with my daughter on her wedding day, but I find it difficult to stand. If I was to get treatment that worked I would be able to get my life back.

I have tried various treatments for MS since diagnosis. Including three different medications, but the medications have very bad side effects & they do not work indefinitely. The most drastic treatment I have had was CCSVI in Scotland, where they put a balloon in the arteries in my neck, going through my heart. The treatments I have had have all been very costly, & as I cannot work this is very difficult to fund.

This new HSCT treatment has seen MS sufferers who could not stand or walk get their lives back again. This is very dangerous but I am wiling to take the risk. However, I cannot undertake unless I have raised £48,000- a stipulation from the health service as I am unable to have this in the UK.

Thank you.