A BEAUFORT couple are racing against the clock to raise the funds they need for their unborn baby to help his 20 year-old brother.

Micheal Emms, 20, became the youngest person in Britain to be diagnosed with Motor Neurone disease just before Christmas last year.

His father, Julian Emms, 41, and partner, Joanna Stanley, 27, have arranged to freeze stem cells from the umbilical cord of their unborn baby, named Rhys, for a treatment that could help to reverse Michael's symptons.

The family struggled to find someone to freeze the cells and had to resort to paying to £2, 000 to have it done privately.

They have already raised £12,000 and are desperately trying to scrape together the remaining £48,000 they need for the ground-breaking American treatment, which is not available in the UK.

But the clock is ticking - if they are unable to get the funds by November, Michael will have to wait another three months before he can be treated.

Miss Stanley said: "Three months is a long time to Michael because the effectiveness of the treatment can depend on how advanced the symptons are.

"He has been deteriorating so rapidly. He doesn't drive anymore, he's in a bad way and it's hard to see him like that."

Michael Emms said: "I just try and get on with life but if I can get the treatment I really hope it will improve my walking and balance.

"All I can say is I'm thankful and grateful to everyone who has already given their donations."

He added: "The baby should be born any day now and I'm really looking forward to it.

Miss Stanley said: "Rhys is due on October 2 and we're all counting down the days - there's a lot riding on him!"

  • Goldie Lookin' Chain and other local bands will play at the Beaufort Ballroom from 7pm this Saturday to raise funds for Michael's treatment.

To book a ticket contact Julian Emms on 07777600725.

If you would like to make a donation please email michaelemmsfund@btinternet.com.