“IT’S GIVEN me my life back.” Some-times, statements like that can be full of hyperbole and exaggeration – but not for Shaun Lawrence. The 51-year-old, of Osmere Close in Whitchurch, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2009 – initially benign, before it progressively grew worse, and the father of two girls often found his leg giving way. Feeling a “failure” at being unable to walk long distances, and without support from the NHS, Shaun looked at private options, leading to life-changing stem cell treatment in Moscow, costing thousands of pounds. The treatment was a success, and has given Shaun much of his life back – as well as the chance to enjoy the simple things, from being out with his family to kicking the duvet, leaving him delighted. “It’s a life-changing thing – I’m not miserable or grumpy,” said Shaun, whose daughters are Carla, 22, and Anna, 21. “It’s how life should be. Walking into town and back is a struggle, but I’ve done it. I’m in the gym to try to strengthen, too. On my bad leg, I could only lift 7kg, and 34kg on the other. “I can lift 28kg to 30kg now and starting to use both legs. I’m 80 per cent better – it’s given me 20 years back of my life, and I don’t feel like I’m a 70-year-old any more." *For the full story, see this week's Whitchurch Herald.