A ten-year-old boy with a rare muscle-wasting condition has been granted access to a ‘life-changing’ drug on the NHS after an agonising two-year wait.

The life of Chalfont St. Peter resident Archie Hill, who has been living Duchenne muscular dystrophy since he was three and a half years old, could be transformed following Friday’s announcement from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

The decision to fund the use of Translarna, a drug believed to slow the effects of the condition, is the first time ever a drug tackling the effects of the condition has been available through the NHS.

During his tireless campaigning, Archie delivered a hand-written letter to David Cameron and gained support from Arsenal and England footballer Jack Wilshere.

Louisa Hill, Archie’s mum, said: “This is amazing, life-changing news - we can’t quite believe it.

“We are immensely proud of Archie and we just want to thank everyone who has supported us.

“Duchenne muscular dystrophy brings so many challenges into his life, and this will become even greater in the future. Yet now, for the first time, there is something in our corner.

“We can have real hope that when, one day, there may be a drug to not only slow down the condition, but completely stop it, our son will be strong enough to benefit.”

The drug is to be made available in “matter of months” via a ‘Managed Access Agreement’ which intends to cover eligible children – including Archie – in England for five years.

Data gathered from Archie and 50 other children across the country will be gathered to inform NICE’s ultimate decision on funding the drug when the agreement concludes.

Robert Meadowcroft, Chief Executive of Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “This announcement comes as wonderful news and a true victory for the families. It is a chance to transform childhoods.

“This agreement will allow us to gain a clearer picture of the full potential of Translarna, and, crucially, to buy precious time for other promising potential treatments to reach licensing stage.

“Parents of children eligible for Translarna have fought courageously for this outcome, and to give their children the chance to keep walking for longer.”

Muscular Dystrophy UK say that most with the condition become entirely reliant on a wheelchair before they reach the age of 12.

In 2014, the Translarna became the first genetic therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy to be approved within the EU and has been available in several European countries for more than a year.

Chesham and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillan, who has been a long-term support of Archie’s cause, said: “This is wonderful news for Archie and all the boys who can benefit from Translarna.

“The long wait for NICE’s verdict is finally over and it is the outcome we have all been hoping for.

“I would like to pay tribute to the Hill family and to all the families involved in the campaign for their tenacious and tireless efforts to reach this point.”