Jane Kirby
A heart attack victim taking part in a pioneering stem-cell programme spoke yesterday of his recovery.
Robin Marston suffered an attack a week ago while packing his car following a trip.
He became the second of two patients to take part in a new clinical trial at The Barts and The London Heart Attack Centre, the biggest unit of its kind in the UK.
Doctors took stem cells from bone marrow in his lower back. Mr Marston then received either his own stem cells back or a placebo - the trial requires he does not know which - via a catheter in his groin.
The aim of the treatment for those receiving the stem cells is to "turn the clock back" for heart attack victims by repairing damaged heart tissue.
The trial is the first of its kind in the UK and will involve 100 patients over the next two years.
Mr Marston, a 61-year-old bus driver from West Drayton in London, said: "When I got the hospital I was taken straight through and was kept awake the whole time. A surgeon inserted a catheter into my groin.
"Through this, they inserted two stents into my arteries to keep them open and at the same time I was asked if I wanted to participate in a stem cell research programme.
"I indicated that I would want to, because not only would I help myself but other people too.
"I feel practically 100% now. I had a tiny bit of pain last night, but nothing since then and I'm feeling fine."
Earlier this week, The Herald revealed the effects of multiple sclerosis could be reversed within 15 years using stem-cell treatment.
Professor Charles ffrench-Constant, director of the Edinburgh-based MS research centre, said his team of scientists aim to use stem cells to repair nerve damage caused by MS.
The professor of medical neurology said the treatment could halt the decline of those who suffer from MS, which affects one in 500 Scots, one of the highest rates in the world.
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