A COURAGEOUS Greenock dad who is battling a rapidly progressing terminal illness met Princess Anne.

Donald Miller, who has motor neurone disease, and wife Michelle, his full time carer, met Her Royal Highness at a reception held by the charity MND Scotland.

Michelle, who lives with Donald, who is known as Donza, in Walker Street, said it was a special occasion.

She said: “It was great to meet Princess Anne.

“Donald had met her 10 years ago at a previous MND Scotland event.

“Princess Anne actually remembered him, which was quite unusual as she’s quite a busy woman.”

Michelle said that Princess Anne was keen to hear about the technology equipment which Donald uses to communicate.

He is able to communicate through a special tablet that connects to a head mouse placed on his glasses.

She said: “Princess Anne asked him how he worked it and told him he was very good at using it.

“Donald had been using a head mouse given to him by the charity until he got a permanent one from the NHS.”

Using the mouse, Donald is able to identify the words he wants to say and the machine speaks for him.

Michelle said her husband enjoyed meeting Lawrence Cowan, who is the chairman of MND Scotland and a friend of the late MND campaigner Gordon Aikman.

She said: “It was very inspirational.

“Lawrence spoke about Gordon Aikman, which was really nice.

“We really appreciate what he did for MND Scotland.”