A TODDLER with a rare genetic disease has been able to move for the first time unaided after receiving a new wonder drug.

Max McCorkindale suffers from muscular atrophy which means he unable to walk or stand up on his own.

But the youngster has experienced a remarkable improvement in his condition since receiving Spinraza, which is administered through a lumber puncture every four months.

Mum Claire, 36, an optician, said: "Before he couldn't push his own wheelchair. Now he can push up onto all fours.

"You can see a big difference, it's inspiring.

"We have taken a progress video showing what he was like after two, four, and six injections. The difference is astonishing."

The Telegraph reported in June how the family had been accepted for the drug - which costs £75,000 a time.

It was hoped it would stop the tot's condition getting worse, but in fact is bringing dramatic improvement in his symptoms.

Claire said: "It re-activates the nerves to make the muscles work.

"It has strengthened Max's arms and legs. He also regularly had respiratory problems but he's not had a chest infection since June."

His dad Ross, 36, said: "He couldn't move at all, now he can roll over and kick his legs. We do play exercises with him all the time now and it is wonderful to see the progress."

Max was diagnosed last May with type one spinal muscular atrophy.

Claire, describes the condition as a 'child's version of motor neurone disease' and says this usually means a shorter than normal life expectancy.

She said: "There are only five or six kids in Scotland receiving this drug. It’s been approved for children under three with type 1 but means older patients are still having to fight for it.

"I feel it is a real shame that some people can't get access to it.

"Max's treatment is for life unless something better is discovered."

Their aim is to make Max as independent as possible.

Claire said: "Ideally we would like him to be able to get out of bed, into his chair and into the toilet.

"We want him to be able to do things for himself so he won't need 24-hour care.

"It's still a pipe dream perhaps for him to be able to walk but it's not the be all and end all.

"It's about Max being an independent as possible."

She and Ross were are also swift to praise the support they are receiving from specialist nurse Jennifer Dunne, who is the only paediatric neuromuscular nurse specialist in Scotland.

Claire said: "She is very up to date and up to speed and any issues we have we can phone her 24/7.

"The problem is there are only a handful of kids under 10 with the condition and we don't have anyone else to ask.

"GPs don't know very much about it but Jennifer is so clued up."

The cute chatterbox currently attends Hillend Nursery two days a week and make friends wherever he goes.

Claire said: "He's got a very magnetic personality. Everyone remembers him."

They would like Max to attend St Mary's Primary but that hinges on whether he continues to progress.

The family started fundraising for a new electric wheelchair which costs £6,000, and were moved by the Inverclyde public's response.

Ross, a bus driver, said: "We were overwhelmed. We ended up with about £20,000, people were so generous."

The family would like to thank everyone who has supported their fundraising effort and Max's new chair is on order.