Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHSBlind boy starts stem cell therapy in China
A British toddler has begun stem cell therapy in China to cure his blindness, it has been revealed.
Joshua Clark, who is 22 months old, has a condition whereby nerves connecting to the brain are small or poorly developed - known as optic nerve hypoplasia.
Joshua and his parents, Anthony and Joanna, arrived in China last week after his family managed to raise enough money for the trip following his diagnosis in May last year.
His grandfather, Dr Kevin Doughty, 54, said: ‘Joshua is doing very well. His appetite and sleep have been incredibly good since he’s been there, better than at home.’
During his 40-day stay at hospital in Hangzhou near Shanghai, Joshua will receive eight sets of stem cell treatments and have physiotherapy and electric wave therapy to help strengthen his leg muscles for crawling and walking.
It is hoped the treatment will allow Joshua to detect light, see colours and objects and be able to tell whether it is night or day. More than £40,000 has been raised towards the treatment and trip.
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