LOVING parents of twins with a terminal illness have appealed for the public to sign a petition calling for the government to release a new ‘life-improving’ drug.

In 2012, Paul and Jeanette Mercer, of Cherrydown, in Grays, gave birth to son Karter and daughter Kennedy, after eight attempts at IVF.

Sadly Karter died within a year, after both twins were diagnosed with SMA Type 1, a disease that causes muscle weakness and breathing distress.

Mr Mercer, 37, who works in banking, told how he is thankful that Kennedy, three, is still alive.

He also urged the community to get behind a petition, which he believes could help improve Kennedy’s life, by calling on the government to release a new drug on the market.

He said: “Our brave son Karter passed away in February 2013 and we miss him dearly.

“We want to give our daughter Kennedy the best quality of life that we can.

“95 per cent of children with the disease have a life expectancy of less than 18 months, as they lose their ability to breathe.

“It’s a miracle that our daughter is still here with us – we’re amazed – and we’ve closely been following the progress of a drug that we believe will improve her life.”

The drug, called Nusinersen, is currently being trialled, and Kennedy nearly took part in a US trial, but missed out because she was three days too young.

After four years of testing, the study has shown no adverse side effects and is giving SMA babies a chance at life, according to Mr Mercer.

He continued: “We’ve been following its progress closely.”