A MIRACLE toddler with a rare genetic disease has inspired local people to donate thousands of pounds to help him continue to whizz around in a super 'car'.

Two-year-old Max McCorkindale suffers from the most severe form of spinal muscular atrophy, a life-limiting and degenerative condition which means he is unable to walk, stand up, or move around on his own.

He is one of the first youngsters in Scotland to be treated with a new 'super drug', only approved last year, which is aimed at halting the muscle wasting and helping him to live longer.

Now his mum Claire says Max is benefitting from an unexpected side effect - as the drug is actually improving his condition.

The smiling toddler needs a custom made wheelchair which gives him the freedom to move around on his own.

Claire, who lives with Max and husband Ross in Forsyth Street, said: "It has been a real rollercoaster for us.

"Max was meeting all his milestones until he hit the age of nine months.

"Then he just stopped and couldn't do anything.

"He could no longer sit up, stand or roll over.

"We knew something was wrong but we kept getting told that everything was fine.

"Then after seeing doctor after doctor in May 31 last year we were told that he had type one spinal muscular atrophy.

"This normally means a life expectancy of around two years.

"But we were told that Max was a 'good' type one.

"There are only five children under five in Scotland with SMA.

"It is basically a kids form of motor neurone disease.

"It felt like everything came crashing down, like our whole world had ended.

"But at end of the same appointment we were given hope when we were told there was this new treatment which would be available in the near future which could extend his life.

"It was approved the very next day after he was diagnosed.

"It is not a cure but it is treatment."

Life saving Spinraza costs £75,000 a time and is administered every four months through a lumbar puncture.

Max was granted the drug and had his first round in December last year.

Claire added: "We had to fight for that.

"It is aimed at stopping the degeneration but we are seeing improvements.

"Max can now roll.

"He used to get terrible chest infections because his chest and breathing is very vulnerable but they seem to have stopped.

"The drug is so new that no one knows what to expect but the signs are good."

One of the biggest breakthroughs for the family would be to get Max a special wheelchair.

They have been loaned a Whizzbug chair by disability charity Designability but Max is beginning to outgrow it.

Claire, 34, who is an optician with Optical Express, said: "Max goes everywhere in his Whizzbug and it is his own little car. You can't stop him, he is so full of life.

"Max talks to absolutely everyone.

"He is a wee character and everyone knows him.

"We can't get powered wheelchairs until he is three and even at that they are far too big.

"Without having something like this his life would be much more limited."

The family are hoping to purchase an electronic kids wheelchair called Tiny Trax, which costs £6,000.

Claire added: "We have been overwhelmed by the kindness of people.

"We have raised over £4,000 so far and we never thought that was possible.

"We really don't don't like to ask for help so we have been really blown away.

"We only put something up on Facebook initially as a link to a fundraiser in the town hall and we raised all that money."

Claire and her husband Ross, who is a bus driver, are also faced with having to make major adaptations to their house in the future.

Claire added: "Max would benefit from hydrotherapy every day and we were told to get a hot tub but that is £6,000 and way down the list."

Max, who attends Hillend and Madeira nursery, needs round the clock care.

He has to be turned in his sleep every two hours because he is unable to move himself and has to sleep with a ventilator.

The family have also benefited from respite at Robin House children's hospice.

Claire added: "It is really so that we can get a night's sleep every once in a while."

Max's family are now busy organising their fundraiser in the Greenock Town Hall, with the big event being held on Friday August 3.

To help the appeal for Max visit www.gofundme.com/5kjtuqg