FORMER snooker king John Spencer is beating the crippling disease which brought a glittering career to a premature end.

The three-time world professional champion has never felt better and is determined that others should benefit from the painful experiences which took him to brink of utter despair.

After world titles in 1969, 1970 and 1977, the Radcliffe-born player was riding high but the good times weren't to last.

In May, 1985, he suffered his first bout of double vision while playing in the Pontin's Tournament, the condition worsened and the next month, after four days of tests, he was diagnosed as suffering from Myasthenia Gravis, and was prescribed steroids.

That started the worst year of his life, for the specialist told him that if his ocular version of the disease hadn't spread to his body within twelve months then the wasting disease could be contained.

"I alternated with a patch covering one eye at a time, I was terrified of every little ache and pain and although the disease didn't spread the steroids brought about huge mood swings," he explained this week.

Spencer, who still lives in Radcliffe, confesses that at the depth of his depressions he considered suicide, but now that is all behind him.

"The last ten years have produced some terrible times and I wouldn't want anyone else to go through a similar experience. I have been taking a new tablet for the past three and half months and feel on top of the world, so much so that I want to raise people's awareness of MG and hopefully help set up a local support group," added the 61-year-old BBC commentator who will be behind the microphone this weekend at the UK Championships at Preston's Guild Hall.

With 2,500 diagnosed sufferers and an estimated 50,000 unknown cases, MG can be a life wrecker and funds are desperately need for research and for support groups.

John Spencer has already started money-raising activities and is planning a major golf day for 1997, but of greater importance is his desire that sufferers should not be alone with their fears.

Now, as he contemplates participating in a Seniors Pot Black Tournament and getting out his golf clubs once again, Spencer is looking ahead with renewed optimism.

"If a support group could do the same for just one other MG sufferer it would be worth the effort and I will help all I can," said Spencer.

Details of the work of the Myasthenia Gravis Association can be obtained by telephoning 01332 290219.

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