Brave Sacha's fight for hope

7:10am Monday 4th September 2006

Brave Sacha Skinner has been undergoing pioneering stem cell treatment at a hospital in China.

Five-year-old Sacha, who suffers from Batten Disease, an incurable degenerative brain disorder which affects her ability to speak, eat, and walk, has been having regular injections of stem cells harvested from the umbilical cord.

It is a procedure that is illegal in the UK.

As well as the weekly stem cell jabs Sacha is also having injections of nerve growth factor to stimulate stem cell growth, acupuncture and physiotherapy.

In her second week at 463 Hospital Sacha has had a mixed week as the treatments start to take their toll.

She was cared for by her mum Annette Dacosta and stepdad Graham Pearson for the first two weeks of her treatment. They have now returned to the UK and Sacha's dad Neil Skinner and his partner Rebecca have flown to China to care for her.

Mrs Dacosta, of Firle Road, Brighton, said: "I didn't come here looking for miracles or immediate results.

"I came to try and give Sacha the best quality of life that I can. I have been in contact with many people all over the world and no one has had a bad word to say about the results they gained after stem cell treatment.

"Some people have been able to move in much better, pain-free ways, some have learned to walk again after injury or illness. I don't know what will happen with Sacha."

This week Sacha has been given 2.5ml of stem cells, compared to the 1.5ml she had in her first injection.

Following the injection Sacha was also given umbilical fluid and nerve growth factor to stimulate the stem cells.

Mrs Dacosta said: "This time last year I didn't have a clue what nerve growth factor was, I simply thought there was no hope for my daughter's survival. This is what China has afforded us - hope - and there's no price you can put on that."

The doctors believe this week they will be able to inject the stem cells directly into Sacha's brain.

Sacha has been a bit poorly over the past week, which caused some concern to Mrs Dacosta, Mr Pearson and the doctors at 463 Hospital where she is being treated.

Sacha had been shaky, pale and in pain but doctors were relieved when they realised the cause of her sickness was simply a reaction to Chinese milk.

The family also faced a barrage of reporters and photographers at the hospital.

Mrs Dacosta said: "I wasn't prepared for so many large cameras being aimed at Sacha and lots of people calling her name all at the same time."

She added: "I'm really keen for Sacha's story to get maximum exposure so it will raise awareness of Batten Disease around the world and maybe encourage investment in its treatment.

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