A multiple sclerosis sufferer whose illness has left him unable to move or talk is hoping to be part of a ground-breaking stem cell research trial.

Jason Powell, who was diagnosed with MS 21 years ago, has volunteered to be a 'guinea pig' for medical research currently underway in Switzerland.

His mother, Eileen Olive, of Trevaughan, Whitland, admits it could be at least three years before the research comes to Britain but Jason is determined.

"He read about this trial on the internet," said Mrs Olive. "He would try anything if it gave him a glimmer of hope."

Jason, of Brynwenllian, Whitland, has refused to be beaten by his illness.

Five years ago he campaigned to be prescribed the drug, beta interferon, which can reduce the risk of a relapse and slow down damage to a multiple sclerosis patient's immune system.

Sadly, his condition has deteriorated to the point where this drug would no longer be of benefit to him, said Mrs Olive.

"Despite needing 24-hour nursing care his spirit is not broken," she added. "He can only communicate by blinking but mentally he is very strong."

Thirty-eight-year-old Jason is one of a number of patients who have been denied beta interferon, according to Lisa Francis, AM for Mid and West Wales.

This week Health Commission Wales admitted that some Local Health Boards have insufficient funding for drugs such as beta interferon and copaxone. These drugs are readily available to all patients who need them in Scotland and England.

Lisa has now written to health minister Brian Gibbons demanding he intervenes.

"It is an absolute disgrace that MS sufferers in Wales cannot have the drugs they desperately need," she said. "The health minister needs to address this postcode lottery most urgently."

Jason's mother said: "Although beta interferon would no longer help Jason there are many patients whose lives would be dramatically improved by it."