AN INSPIRATIONAL man who has had a chronic muscle wasting condition since childhood is believed to be the longest survivor of the ailment in west Scotland — as he enjoys turning 40.

Bryan Purdue — who has raised thousands of pounds for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) charities — has been hailed as a beacon of hope to youngsters diagnosed with the disease, which carries a life expectancy of just 26.

But unassuming Bryan, of Gourock’s Oxford Avenue, doesn’t see himself as a role model for others, despite his fundraising exploits and giving numerous talks and presentations on the condition.

Bryan told the Tele: “Some people say I’m an inspiration but I’m modest.

“Reaching 40 is a good milestone and I’m going to celebrate it but there is so much more that I want to do in life.”

One of those things is a big party at Greenock’s Celtic Supporters’ Club on Laird Street next week.

Bryan — who lives with his mum and dad, Wilma and Tom, joked: “Even though I’m a Morton fan, I’m having it at the Celtic club, so I’ll probably get pelters for that!”

Another goal is to raise as much money as possible for a Wemyss Bay DMD trust – www.eileenmccallumtrust.org – named after River City actress Eileen McCallum, whose grandsons Milo and Daniel also have Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Bryan said: “I want to help the Eileen McCallum Trust and I’m formulating a few ideas just now.

“The Trust has given me a lot of money and I want to give something back, so hopefully we can raise quite a bit.”

Bryan’s fundraising efforts saw him collect £10,000 from a charity skydive he organised and which was undertaken by a host of his friends in 2014.

He said: “They did a brilliant thing and I would have done it too if I could.”

As well as the party, his birthday fortnight will also feature lunches and dinners with friends and family and a night out with his carers.

One carer, Liz Fay, who has known Bryan for 12 years, said:

“He’s such an inspiration — he’s come through so much and he’s always happy and positive.

“We’re sure that he is the longest surviving person in the west of Scotland with DMD.

“He’s a beacon for young people who are diagnosed with it that life can, and does, go on.

“None of us are his carers, we’re all his mates.”

Bryan, who turned 40 on Tuesday, was diagnosed at the age of just six.

But despite being wheelchair-bound and reliant on a ventilator to breathe, he has led a full and very busy life — including gaining a degree in business IT and working for the former Abbey National bank for five years.

He said: “With the help of my family and my carers I’ve done well to get to where I’ve got.

“I thank them all for all their support over the years.

“I’m so grateful.”