MULTIPLE sclerosis is a horrible disease. It leaves its victims increasingly helpless, often in pain and afflicted by agonising muscle spasms, numbness and paralysis.

The courage with which people so often face this affliction is inspiring - as is the determination they show in refusing to let it beat them.

Last month, we reported the story of great-grandmother Julia Brown, who travelled to Holland for revolutionary stem cell treatment she couldn't get in this country. The 63-year-old hopes to regain the use of her legs, which have not worked for seven years.

Today, we report on another York MS sufferer who refuses to give up hope. Adele Birkin-Hart and her husband, Russell, are hoping to raise £18,000 to pay for a new "wonder-drug" made from the blood serum of goats.

The drug, Aimspro, is not yet licensed in the UK and so is not available on the NHS. But Adele has spoken to people who have used it who have had "terrific benefits".

It is right that, with drug companies constantly developing new treatments, the medical profession should assess them properly before they are made available on the NHS. The health service does not have money to throw away on medicines that are unproven.

But it should complete its assessment of this drug as soon as possible so, if it is effective, it can be given to the desperately sick patients who could benefit.

Until then, we wish Adele all the best in her fundraising, and with her course of treatment. She's one courageous lady.