A MULTIPLE sclerosis sufferer is poised to fly out to Holland for revolutionary stem cell treatment - if he can raise the £14,000 required.

Former chartered accountant Malcolm Pear, from Fairoak Drive, Stoke Heath, was diagnosed with MS ten years ago, and is now dependant on crutches, and sometimes a wheelchair.

Three years ago, the 51-year-old and his wife Leslie won a battle to receive disease-modifying beta-interferon drugs, which staved off relapses.

But after making contact with MS suffer Sue Robson, from Wolverhampton, they became aware of stem cell treatment.

"I spoke to Sue, as she is having the treatment next month in Rotterdam," Leslie explains.

"I also consulted a lecturer practitioner in MS, and we were convinced she would say don't touch it with a barge pole. But she was very positive, so we decided this was the route we were going to go."

The treatment, which is not available in the UK, has an 80 per cent success rate and would considerably improve Malcolm's quality of life.

Stem cells are injected into the patient, and automatically home in on the nerve ends that need repairing.

It is carried out by US company Advanced Cell Therapies, but Malcolm would have to travel to either Amsterdam or Rotterdam to receive it.

Despite the gamble, Malcolm remains positive that the treatment is the best way forward.

"It's the first real step forward since I was diagnosed," he said.

"Leslie and I believe that there is nothing to lose. It's like suddenly seeing a shining light to help make things better.

"I hope that eventually the treatment will become globally accepted, more MS sufferers will have it available to them, and in time the cost will be reduced."

The couple have received pledges from individuals, and Leslie is also appealing to local businesses and organisations for help.

To find out more information, or to donate funds, contact Leslie on 01527 881964.