A GWENT sleeping disorder suffererer has criticised the government's lack of funding to diagnose and treat the illness.

Up to 500 people in Gwent are currently waiting for diagnosis of sleep apnoea at St Woolos Hospital, Newport, where a group of volunteers have bought the first bed to cater for patients.

Sufferer Trevor Turner, 74, of Holywell Road, Abergavenny, says more funding is desperately needed so waiting-lists can be cut.

He said: "The government is proposing to provide more picnic sites on the sides of motorways so people with sleeping disorders can take naps. "This is a waste of money. What we need are more hospital beds and treatment masks so people can be diagnosed earlier and get on with their lives."

Mr Turner is a member of the Welsh Sleep Apnoea Society, which has members from all over Gwent.

"Patients need to stay overnight for diagnosis," said Mr Turner, "after that you go home with your mask and machine and get on with your life. "When I was diagnosed with apnoea I stopped breathing 350 times during the night. Without the mask I was at risk of strokes and heart attacks."

Mr Turner, who was awarded the MBE in 2002 for his charity work, thinks he may have been suffering from the condition for more than 50 years. He retired 15 years ago. He was the district manager for the Prudential and used to think it was his hectic working life which made him sleepy during the day.

"People with apnoea don't realise there is anything wrong. They just nod off during the day and wake up tired the next morning because they haven't had a deep sleep at night."

Trevor's mask now puts that right. It allows pure air to flow into his lungs, constantly ensuring he gets a good night's sleep.