[BobbyB]

New baby bro is my lifeline.

EXCLUSIVE MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE HITS MICHAEL, AGED JUST 19 CELLS IN BABY RHYS'S UMBILICAL CORD MAY SAVE HIM

Terminally-ill Michael Emms snuggles up to his 12-day old brother who could save his life in a pioneering stem cell operation.

Courageous Michael was given less than five years to live after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year at age 19.

But now it's hoped that cells taken from baby Rhys's umbilical cord may beat the fatal wasting disease.

Michael said it was "awesome"

the day he was told his dad Julian and stepmum Jo were having a baby.

He added: "I love my little brother Rhys so much and I'm just hoping something can improve my condition.


"I know I will be in for a fight but with my little brother on my side at least I now have a chance."


In a remarkable twist, 6lb 60z Rhys was born against all the odds.


Three years ago Jo, 27, was told she was virtually INFERTILE due to ovarian cysts and had a less than one per cent chance of ever conceiving.


Yet the following year she gave birth to a daughter, Carol-Anne, now two and then had little Rhys less than a fortnight ago.


Now the bonny tot who defied medical predictions holds the key to Michael's future thanks to his frozen and stored umbilical cells.


Michael, the son from 42-year-old dad Julian's first marriage, is thought to be Britain's youngest motor neurone sufferer.


The illness usually only strikes people over 40. But Michael, still only 20, already walks with a limp after muscle wastage in both his legs.


His hands are weakened by nerve damage and he has had to give up his job in a hardware store. However, the family from Ebbw Vale, South Wales, intend to travel to a clinic in Belize, Central America, to have Rhys's cells injected into Michael's spine.


They hope the genetic material will repair damage already caused by the disease and lead to a recovery.


The treatment, which is not available in the UK, will cost a hefty £40,000. But Jo and Julian, a nurse, have already raised half the amount and are determined to find the extra £20,000 they need.


Jo explained: "We were devastated when Michael was diagnosed. It was unbelievable this strapping young man was being told he was dying.


"But we know stem cell treatment has been successful in Belize and are determined that Michael should have a fighting chance.


"It is not going to be easy and the treatment could take up to a year. But we were suddenly filled with hope."


Louise Coxon of the Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association said: "Excitement surrounding research arose from the idea that embryonic stem cells which have the potential to grow into any type of cell could possibly be used to replace diseased neurones.


"Michael's story highlights the need formore research to find a cure."


Stem cell expert Dr Colin McGuckin, of Newcastle University said: "We are seeing an explosion of possibilities in this field of treatment."


Tell Usyour Amazing Story. CALL 0207 293 3201 OR EMAIL features@people .co.uk


features@people.co.uk