Mother of five seeks stem- cell treatment in Russia

A HEALTH visitor who fears losing her independence to an aggressive disease has launched an appeal to fund treatment in Russia as she can no longer access it on the NHS.

Trish Grimshaw, mother to five children aged between 19 and two, has a rare form of multiple sclerosis, in which the body attacks itself.

The 38- year- old from Keighley, who has worked as a children’s nurse and then health visitor for 15 years, had hoped for NHS treatment that can slow the progress of the disease.

Diagnosed last summer, her condition has deteriorated over the last six months and she now faces having to fund treatment in Moscow, with costs mounting to £ 50,000.

She said: “I’ve always been a very active person, taking the kids on days out and going for long walks in the countryside.

“But MS has stopped me from enjoying the things I once took for granted and the physical and psychological effects have been hugely debilitating.”

Mrs Grimshaw has progressive MS, with the best option for treatment being a drug which is now out of reach. She hopes to undergo a stem- cell transplant but does not qualify in England in Russia is her only hope.

Husband Dan Grimshaw, who set up an appeal on GoFundMe, said: “We didn’t know where to turn. Although we have been very private about Trish’s condition we were left with no alternative than to ask for the support of friends, family, colleagues and neighbours in tackling this huge challenge to get Trish to Moscow.

“The kids have been hugely supportive and are all getting involved, with the exception of Stanley, who is just two and doesn’t really understand, but he keeps us smiling.”