Father of son with vCJD gives support

THE father of a young man suffering from vCJD said he would not hesitate to recommend the earliest possible use of a drug compound that has kept his son alive against all odds and medical advice.

As doctors at a Dublin hospital wait for the results of tests on a patient suspected of contracting the human form of BSE, Don Simms has offered his support and advice to the family.

Mr Simms’ son Jonathan, 20, was first diagnosed with the brain disease nearly three years ago, yet he is still alive and has suffered no noticeable side effects from his drug treatment.