A PATIENT fighting aggressive multiple sclerosis has launched a fundraising bid to pay for radical stem cell treatment.

Liam Egalton, 35, suffers from severe problems with walking, sight and speech caused by the condition, which sets the body’s immune system against the nervous system.

He says he’s in a race against time to stop himself ending up in a wheelchair.

Thanks to family, friends, and well-wishers, Liam smashed a £30,000 fundraising target last year, meaning he could afford two rounds of the pioneering procedure.

While the first round, in October, reduced his shakes, experts say he will need more treatments to restore his walking ability and speech.

Liam, who is originally from Bulphan, said: “The first day after having the treatment we were having breakfast and my shakes had totally gone. My speech got better and my walking.

“But because I’ve got such an aggressive form of the disease I will need three or four goes to make permanent changes.

“There was a driver at the clinic who said he has seen much worse than me so he told me not to give up. I won’t back down after getting this far.”

Liam’s hopes have also been boosted by the case of American Football coach Sam Harrell, 57, who says he has seen huge improvements after being in a similar position.

The course at the world-renowned Stem Cell Institute in Panama involves taking an IV drip of stem cells to rejuvenate Liam’s damaged cells.

His fresh appeal comes weeks after the City worker started using a walker on his commute after being knocked over by a man in a rush earlier this year.

His long-term partner Kayleigh Biggs, 32, has also gone part-time at her Chelmsford receptionist job to help care for him.

Liam said: “I go back to Panama in July, but from speaking to doctors there and speaking to past patients who had great results, it seems that to really maximise the benefits you need rounds three and four.

“If anyone has ideas of how they could raise funds for me, I would be so grateful.”

There are already plans to hold a charity night at Rumours, in Kings Road, Brentwood, and a quiz night at Coopers’ Company and Coborn School, in St Marys Lane, Upminster.

Donate at: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/liam-egalton-1