A GREENOCK couple have told how their little boy was left with cerebral palsy and later diagnosed with epilepsy after suffering a brain injury at birth.

Three-year-old Ethan Hepburn survived against all the odds after complications which left him unable to move or control his limbs.

His devoted parents Gillian and Michael are determined to help him lead as independent a life as possible.

They have launched a fundraising appeal to pay for the expensive adaptations and vital equipment their son will need as he grows older.

They are also set to scale Ben Nevis next month in aid of the fund and say the have been overwhelmed by the response they have received so far.

Gillian, 31, of Devon Road, said: "Everyone loves Ethan, he is a real character and has a smile for everyone.

"But it is a miracle he is even here.

"His birth was so traumatic.

"He had a 50/50 chance when he was born.

"He is a miracle.

"He developed epilepsy about a year ago.

"Nobody prepares you for that and it is terrifying, I had no idea it could happen.

"A fit can last for up to 20 minutes and Michael and I take it in turns to sleep."

At birth, Ethan was diagnosed with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, a type of brain injury caused by lack of oxygen to the brain.

He underwent 72 hours of hypothermia treatment ‘cooling’ and subsequently spent 12 days in the Special Care Baby Unit.

Ethan has faced every challenge head on and gets around in a wheelchair.

He recently celebrated his third birthday and attends Hillend Children's Centre, where he is making very good progress thanks to the determination of his parents, staff and physio.

Gillian, who works as an additional support needs teacher at Craigmarloch School, said: "People think I will know what to do, but nothing prepares you for this.

"We just want to give Ethan as good a quality of life and as many chances as we can.

"Our family and friends suggested fundraising.

"We thought we would give it try and set up a funding page but we never expected this response.

"People we don't even know have donated."

The family are set to move to a house which is more suitable to Ethan's needs and will give him more space to move.

His dad Michael, 34, who works as a postman, said: "Ethan's come on so well with his speech and everything.

"He is so clever.

"We don't know what the future holds but he is amazing and we just want to give him every opportunity.

"He is a wee star."

So far the fundraising appeal has reached £3,000, three times what Gillian and Michael had hoped for.