A BOLTON pensioner claims a new product developed by a Czech professor has given her a fresh lease of life after years of pain and immobility.

Arthro Vite - a powdered collagen preparation which is mixed with water and swallowed - is being hailed as a wonder treatment by some of the people who claim it has helped them.

Mrs Amelia Horrocks, 89, of Blake Gardens, Halliwell, says she has had a "miraculous" return to health after 50 years of arthritic suffering. She says she found any kind of movement difficult until a few months ago when she read about Arthro Vite

In June national newspapers told how former Carlisle soccer legend Kevin Beattie, who had been crippled by arthritis, became fit enough to turn out in charity matches after only nine weeks treatment with the powder drink.

Westgate stresses that it makes no claims for the product. Sales are based entirely on testimonials from users.

However, a spokesman at The Arthritis and Rheumatism Council in London said that although they had heard users' claims for the new product they advise arthritis sufferers to continue taking the medication prescribed by their own doctor even if they feel compelled to experiment with it.

Mrs Horrocks admits that she was sceptical at first. But now she says she feels so mobile again she is fit enough to go dancing three times a fortnight. She has suffered from arthritis in most of her joints since she was 35.

She explained: "I have had acupuncture three times in the last six years, but I only got slight relief for about 12 months.

"I started taking Arthro Vite about five months ago.

"Before that I used to cry out in pain as I struggled to rise out of a chair and had trouble getting out of my son's car.

"I was also unable to climb the five steps in my garden.

"When I wanted to hang something up I needed the strength of my left arm to lift my right arm above shoulder high."

Her son Jeffrey, aged 58, lives close by and looks after his mother. He said: "After about two and a half months my mother started to forget to take it because her pain was gone."

Mrs Horrocks said: "After two weeks of taking Arthro Vite I was able to start cutting down my pain killers. After a month I could climb the garden steps with the aid of my stick. "After two months I stopped taking pain killers and was able to climb my garden steps without the aid of the stick. I can sit down and get up out of a chair normally without pain.

A spokesman for the suppliers said the preparation was developed by Prof Milan Adam, professor of rheumatology at the University of Prague Hospital. It is based on collagen which is a naturally occurring substance in the cartilage and joints of animals.

Pain relief the collagen way comes at a price. A month's supply is £24.99 plus £1.50 postage. Further details are available from Westgate Business Centre on 01282 451145.

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