EXPERTS have given their approval for cloning techniques to be used to prevent lethal genetic diseases carried by the mother.

But it has come too late for Paul and Rachel Preston's children.

The couple, of Winnington Lane, in Winnington, have sadly lost one child and the prognosis for two of their other children is poor.

Kirsten Preston died at eight weeks in 1992, her sister and brother Stacey, aged five and Kieran, aged two are severely disabled.

All are victims of Mitochondrial Disease, which has no cure.

Paul, who is founder and honarary director of The Children's Mitochondrial Disease Network, has welcomed the Government's decision to debate a number of issues - including 'research to increase understanding of and devleop treatments for mitochondrial diseases.'

"It's incredibly important because they are now addressing this issue and have recognised that it's a serious disease," he said.

"Perhaps future generations now may have a chance. This is a necessary step and has been a long time coming," he added.

Life is hard for the Prestons, whose older children Kelly and Stephanie are unaffected by the disease.

Paul said: "We rarely get more than a few hours sleep a night because we have to get up to look after the children.

"We can't do any of the things a normal family does like go on holiday, or go out - it's simply too difficult."

Meanwhile members of Pro-Life are campaigning against the Government's decision.

Paul added: "I wonder how pro-life campaigners would feel spending 23 out of 24 hours mopping up diarrhoea and changing tubes."

Since setting up the Network he has worked tirelessly, researching information, asking questions and visiting researchers.

Paul was responsible for acquiring funds for the first UK conference on Mitochondrial Diseases in July 1996, when international speakers came from the UK, France and the USA. He was invited to France in 1996, Philadelphia, USA in 1997 and after forming a European Network he was invited to Russia in November 1999.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.