A Pembrokeshire father of twins diagnosed with multiple sclerosis last year warns that the so-called wonder drug, beta interferon, is not a miracle cure.

The £10,000-a-year drug, prescribed to Nigel Venables by a neurology specialist, has slowed the progression of his debilitating disease. But the flu-like side effects of his once-a-week injections are severe and include blinding headaches and uncontrollable shivers.

It is not a cure and the side effects are evil, admitted 42-year-old Nigel, of Hazeldene, Spittal.

He believes, however, that everyone with the relapsing form of MS has a right to beta interferon and welcomes Wednesdays announcement of clinical trials involving all eligible patients. Following complex negotiations with the manufacturers, the Government says the NHS will pay only for patients who improve from taking the drug.

Health officials insist its cost has never been an issue in Pembrokeshire. A spokeswoman for the Dyfed Powys Health Authority says it follows guidelines set out by NICE, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, which views the drug as effective in patients with relapsing MS, but not for the secondary progressive form of the disease.

Nigel Venables was working as a British Telecom power engineer when he first showed signs of having multiple sclerosis.

It was like a thunderbolt, the onset was so rapid," he said. His GP referred him to a neurologist at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, and he was prescribed beta interferon.

Despite its side effects he has no regrets about taking the drug. He can walk aided by sticks and enjoys family holidays with his wife, Christine, and twin nine-year-old children, Mark and Laura.

I am convinced that without beta interferon I would be in a wheelchair by now," he said.

My condition was going downhill so fast it felt as if I was on a big dipper about to hit the water. Although my health remains as bad as it was when I first started taking beta interferon, it hasnt got any worse, I am grateful for that."

Nigel Venables and twins Laura and Mark. Mr Venables said of his wife Christine: I couldnt do everything I do now without her help. PICTURE: Western Telegraph.