Python star Cleese says stem cell therapy keeps him looking young
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A FURTHER 55 homes in Whaley Bridge were being evacuated last night over fears that storms today could breach the dam looming over the Derbyshire town.
Residents were bracing themselves for a downpour that could bring half a month’s rain in just hours, jeopardising JOHN CLEESE has credited “stem cell therapy” with keeping him looking “much younger” than his 79 years.
The Fawlty Towers creator said his body’s natural healing powers have improved thanks to the “extraordinary” treatments which he has used for several years.
While it is not clear the specific treatment Cleese is referring to, as stem cell therapies are largely unproven.
Cleese, who turns 80 in October, told BBC Radio 2: “I think stem cell therapy is the most extraordinary thing and of course, I’m sorry to say, it’s not cheap. I’ve been doing that for some years.”
Stem cells are effectively “blank” and can transform into different kinds of specialised cells such as blood, brain or muscle cells.
They show promise in treating many diseases and have long been used in
Bigmouth strikes again
attempts to shore up the “critically” damaged section on of the 180-year-old structure.
Derbyshire Police said the decision to evacuate more homes “was not taken likely, but has been done to offer maximum safety”.
Around 150 firefighters have been pumping water out of the 300million-gallon Toddbrook Reservoir to try to alleviate the pressure against the dam.
Meanwhile, an RAF Chinook helicopter continued to drop bags of ballast and conbone marrow transplants and for burns victims.
But NHS England guidance warns that most therapies are “largely experimental and, as yet, unproven”.
The Monty Python actor, who moved to the Caribbean island of Nevis last year, added: “I look younger than my age and it’s entirely down to stem cell therapy and not because I’m a wonderful person, which I am, but that doesn’t affect my looks.”
Critics have expressed concern about elderly customers being lured into costly treatments promising of a dose of fresh, healthy cells which can slow down the ageing process by crete to try ramparts.
As the capacity of the reservoir was reduced to about 83 per cent yesterday, the race against the clock intensified as the Meteorological Office announced there was a chance of up to 2in (60mm) of rain in the area today and Monday. A spokesman said there was a risk of up to 1.5in (40mm) of rain – equivalent to roughly half the normal monthly rainfall in that region for August.
Then there was the possibility of three-quarters of an growing new tissue and neurons. Despite anecdotal evidence, the proven science does not yet back up many of the claims.
Strict UK regulations mean many choose to travel to countries like Thailand, Mexico and Russia for injections.
Prof Brendon Noble, chief science officer at the UK Stem Cell Foundation, said last year: “This technology is so powerful that society’s lack of understanding of the science has allowed unscrupulous clinics in.
“I know people are desperate and it’s awful for the patients, but going too fast has the power to destroy this emerging industry.
“At the moment, we like to think of stem cell technology as a bit like a schoolchild who has huge potential to become a doctor or a lawyer or a journalist.
“They’re untapped potential: they have to be pushed down a specific path and given the right support.” inch of rainfall tomorrow, with more showers expected over the middle of the week.
“Forecasting for such a specific area is difficult,” the spokesman said, adding that while the risk of such a downpour was “real” the unpredictability of intermittent sunshine and showers meant Whaley Bridge could also escape the rain completely.
Gavin Tomlinson, Derbyshire’s deputy chief fire officer, said fire crews were working around the clock to try to counter any adverse weather.
“We are hoping the weather will be kind to us,” he said. “But everyone is working as hard as possible to get ahead of the curve and remove as much water as possible today, overnight and into tomorrow.”
Some of the 1,500 residents evacuated from homes and businesses at risk of being swamped were briefly allowed back into the town to save pets, collect medication and even lock front doors left open in the clamour to flee on Thursday.
But a surge in those wanting to return home as well as some staying longer than the allocated 15-minute window forced Derbyshire police to suspend the visits to ensure no one remained in the town.
Fred Salmon, 55, who has owned a bike shop in Whaley Bridge years, said people were glued forecasts.
“Everyone is crossing their fingers and hoping to ride the storm out,” he said. “You have to ask why a reservoir has been allowed to be there this long – it feels like a time bomb ready to go off. I hope they drain enough water out because if the dam goes my business goes with it.”
John Pritchard, 81, a local councillor who lives just outside the evacuation zone, added: “If the dam bursts, it will devastate Whaley Bridge, along with the schools, shops and businesses.”
‘I look younger than my age and it’s entirely down to stem cell therapy and not because I’m wonderful’