Ref. 28656-20A MULTIPLE Sclerosis therapy centre is appealing for MS sufferers to take advantage of treatment which some sufferers say has saved their life.

The Swindon Therapy Centre, in Cheney Manor, offers high dose oxygen therapy to MS sufferers and is appealing for people to reap the benefits. It has the potential to treat 24 patients a week but is not currently fulfilling its quota.

Dave Hughes, 59, of Purton, was diagnosed with MS in 1979 and swears by the treatment, which involves spending an hour in a pressurised diving bell.

"I would not be alive today if it wasn't for this treatment," he said.

"The first time I went in there I could barely walk and I was having to use walking sticks. After the hour's treatment I walked out so easily I forgot my sticks.

"It dragged me a long way up the slippery slope of MS, which is unusual. This gives me more energy and relieves the fatigue."

Patients breathe oxygen at depths equivalent to 33ft and volunteers sit outside the dive bell monitoring the pressure levels and keeping checks on the equipment.

The centre opens for treatment on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

To find out more call 01793 481700.