A MAN has launched an appeal to raise £40,000 for stem cell treatment to cure his “living nightmare” of multiple sclerosis.

Liam Egalton, 34, was struck down by the debilitating illness five years ago - costing him his job and his business.

He now fears being left in a wheelchair unless he can raise the cash to undergo pioneering treatment in Panama.

He said: “At Christmas I knew I had to act. I’m terrified by how fast it’s progressing. I heard about this treatment which is pretty pioneering stuff. I have got to give it a go. It’s just a shame you have to go to Panama for it.

“I don’t think you can put a value on your health.”

The symptoms first came on while he was running the Brentwood Half Marathon in 2013, but he collapsed at home unable to walk or see a year later.

Although those symptoms have since receded, he could suffer a relapse at any time. Treatment is ongoing and Liam, originally from Bulphan, is on a range of daily medication. He had his latest MRI scan at Basildon Hospital just last week.

He said: “I’ve had to relearn to walk, but my balance is awful. There is weakness in my right knee, my left eye is not great. It’s hard.

“I know in the long term if I don’t do something about it now I’ll end up in a wheelchair with a colostomy bag.

“That’s the brutal truth of it.”

Friends and family have already raised more than £11,000 for the quantity surveyor, who still manages to work one day a week in the city despite needing a walking stick to get around.

He wrote online: “Four years since my diagnosis and it is like living a nightmare.

“My symptoms have grown significantly worse. Medication available on the NHS, changes to my diet, holistic treatments and supplements have made little difference.

“My symptoms have meant that I have been forced to reduce my working hours and I am increasingly house-bound. There is currently no cure for this on the NHS.

“There are successful trials being undertaken by Cambridge University but with the speed and the progression of my illness I don’t have the time to wait before my condition worsens. This is why I am asking for your help, even the smallest of donations will go a very long way.

“I am totally grateful to my family and friends who are all undertaking fund raising events on my behalf. The fight is hard but I will not be defeated.”

Visit the crowdfunding page at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/liamegalton.

There will be a quiz night in aid of the fund at Coopers’ Company and Coborn School, in St Marys Lane, Upminster, at 7.30pm on Saturday, April 28.

Contact Liam’s uncle Pete on 07802 783 768.