'Exciting times' as man gets pioneering health treatment

A man diagnosed with haemophilia at the age of just 11 months has received pioneering treatment that will change his life. Bryana Francis reports

- 

Nigel Miller is the first patient in Wales to receive a groundbreaking haemophilia treatment The Cardiff Haemophilia Centre will act as a 'national hub' for the treatment

(Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Cardiff and Vale University Health Board)

THE first person in Wales has received a groundbreaking haemophilia treatment at a new facility at the University Hospital of Wales.

The "life-changing" gene therapy infusion means those who suffer from the disorder will no longer need weekly injections to stop bleeds.

Nigel Miller, 61, is the first person in Wales to receive the treatment, having been diagnosed with the blood-clotting disorder at just 11 months old.

The Kidwelly man described it as being both an honour and a responsibility to be the first person to receive the treatment, and said he was proud that living with severe haemophilia would "finally begin to look very different".

Nigel said: "Having the opportunity to receive gene therapy is so extraordinary. This is pioneering treatment and being first is an honour, but also a responsibility.

"I am deeply aware that my experience will help inform what comes next for others in Wales and beyond.