Parkinson's disease sufferer Jean Harling, pictured at her home in Upton-upon-Severn, is supporting proposals coming before Parliament to allow controversial experiments, including hybrids between human and animals, that could lead to a cure for her condition. Picture: John Anyon. 13346501

A PENSIONER with Parkinson's disease says the controversial use of stem cells from hybrid human-animal embryos could provide a miracle cure for future generations.

Jean Howling said any breakthrough would probably come too late for her but she hoped it could one day help others like her avoid the pain and suffering she has gone through.

However, a Worcester Roman Catholic priest has dubbed the controversial proposal - which could see the hybrid cells replace damaged cells - a return to the days of Nazi experiments.

Kevin Kavanagh said that the controversial proposals represented a dangerous road - one that had already been crossed by infamous medical experiments in Nazi Germany.

The opposing comments followed the announcement yesterday that MPs will have a free vote on certain aspects of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.

Mrs Howling, acting secretary of the Worcester and district branch of the Parkinson's Society, said any breakthrough would probably come too late for her but she hoped it could one day help others like her.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill which could make the research possible is set to be discussed by MPs within "months" although the Department of Health was not able to confirm a date for the vote.

Mrs Howling, aged 69, of Lilac Close, Upton-upon-Severn, said: "I don't think it would come in time for me but I'm sure they will get there in the end.

"If it does work it will certainly offer hope. If you feel bad enough you will do anything to get better. If it does help it will be marvellous. I don't think I will benefit from it but it will be nice for other people who have it.

"It could potentially be a miracle for these people. You just don't know how you're going to end up. I'm worse than I was last year but really I'm one of the lucky ones. I'm just holding out as long as I can. I have got it and I just have to be stoical about it."

Mother-of-three Mrs Howling, who lives alone, was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1992 and says her condition has got gradually worse but she is still able to drive and live an independent life.

Mrs Howling takes two pills, Sinemet and Ropinirole, to regulate her symptoms which can result in stiffness to her whole body and difficulty in walking and using her fingers, particularly in the evenings.

Before she takes her medication she can suffer intense aches in her legs and can finding herself temporarily unable to move.

Gordon Brown announced yesterday that Labour MPs would be able to vote with their conscience on the controversial human-animal embryo aspect of the Bill.

The whip will also be removed on IVF research and saviour siblings - where parents can pre-select embryos for offspring who can donate organs to existing children - but Labour MPs will be expected to support the Bill as a whole.

Up to 12 Catholic ministers, including Cabinet members Ruth Kelly, Des Browne and Paul Murphy are expected to rebel.

Worcester MP Mike Foster, whose wife and children are Roman Catholic, said he was supporting the Bill.

He said: "There are strong ethical and moral questions about the nature of the medical technology we're moving into. I'm minded to support the creation and use of this stem cell technology."

But Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff said he had received 200 to 300 letters about the Bill, many of them expressing deep concern.

Mr Luff said he planned to vote against a further extension of stem-cell research.

7:10am Wednesday 26th March 2008

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