A SPECIALISED wheelchair for a Greenock boy with a rare genetic condition is in sight thanks to kind staff at a local opticians.

The team at Optical Express in the Oak Mall donated a day's pay to an appeal in aid of two-year-old Max McCorkindale, who has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

They worked for free for a day and - along with a generous contribution from their employer - raised over £1,500 towards a new wheelchair to allow Max to get about.

His condition causes muscle weakness and it means he cannot stand or walk and relies on a custom Wizzybug chair to move around.

He has outgrown his current one, which was on loan from a charity, and a new model costs around £6,000, prompting his mum Claire, who lives with Max and husband Ross in Forsyth Street, to start a fundraising campaign.

Touched by his story, Claire's colleagues at the opticians, where she works as an optometrist, wanted to do their bit to help.

Claire said: "Max is such a special little boy and we are truly grateful that the staff at Optical Express gave up their time and money to help raise the funds needed to buy a new wheelchair.

"It provides him with so much independence, such as riding around in the park, chasing his friends and moving around the house. "We're really excited to see how much Max loves his new wheels."

There is currently no cure for SMA, which starts at different ages, and there are several types causing more serious problems than others.

The team at Optical Express generously volunteered to work an extra day unpaid, with their wage donated to help Max reach his wheelchair target.

Inspired by the fundraising efforts of the Greenock staff and Max's story, the company pledged to match their contribution pound for pound to boost the final total.

Noelle Hamilton, clinical director for Scotland, said: "Max is a charming and lively character, who needed a new wheelchair in order to retain his independence and allow him to lead as normal a life as possible.

"Our optometrists not just at the Greenock clinic, but all around Scotland, were so moved by his story that they wanted to do all they could to help reach his target. "We're delighted that our fundraising initiative raised a total of £1,557 towards his goal."

Noelle is pictured handing over a cheque to Claire and Max.