A GREENOCK couple have told how their lives changed forever when their five-year-old son was diagnosed with a life-limiting muscle-wasting condition.

Michael and Nicola Rankin thought that their little boy Michael was simply a slow developer as he struggled with his speech, was unable to jump and struggled to run quickly.

But after advice from a speech therapist in August last year they soon saw their son sent for tests which resulted in a diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

It means Michael will lose the ability to walk and have limited life expectancy.

Nicola, 32, said: “We didn’t think anything was wrong.

"Michael was just Michael, he couldn’t jump but we assumed he would learn eventually.”

Duchenne affects one in every 3,500 baby boys and the family faced an agonising seven week wait for confirmation that Michael had it.

Nicola said: “The wait was the worst time of our lives.

"We had never heard of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy until the paediatrician told us.

“We typed it into Google and all of the symptoms fitted Michael.

"He was always asking to be lifted and we never thought anything of it, now we know why.

“There are so many variations that we can’t know for sure what the future holds for Michael but there is no cure.

“We have been told that he will lose the ability to walk between the age of eight and becoming a teenager.

"We were also told the average life expectancy is in the 20s.

“It affects people from the bottom up so will impact his legs, his arms, his heart and his lungs."

Following the diagnosis the family were told they could put Michael straight onto steroids which could help him retain the ability to walk for longer but would also cause side effects.

The couple have opted for trying to get Michael on a trial for a new drug, which has the same impact as the steroids but with less of an adverse reaction.

They are determined to ensure Michael spends as much time as possible having fun with family, including his younger brother Max.

His dad, 34, said: “The hardest part for us is explaining things to him.

"We are still learning and we can’t know what the future will hold but we want him to enjoy life and fit in as many activities as we can before Michael is unable to take part.”

Nicola added: “Michael wants to stay in a caravan so that will be our holiday this year and next year we are going to Florida for two weeks.

"We have been offered a villa by Graham Mcentee at Florida Property Services and we can’t thank him enough.

"We want to give our son all the experiences we can.”

The couple say they have been 'overwhelmed' by the support they have received from family and friends and local people.

Nicola’s cousin Stephanie Davenport is arranging a charity night in Gourock's Royalle Club to raise money which will be split between the charity Duchenne UK and a dedicated Go Fund Me page for Michael.

Michael said: “It is crazy how kind and supportive people have been.

"Being offered a villa and people hosting fundraisers is amazing and we really appreciate all the support.”

Nicola added: “Stephanie has been planning the fundraiser since we got the diagnosis and she has worked so hard."

The fundraiser will be held on March 9 from 7.30pm until late.

Tickets are priced at £5 and anyone interested in purchasing one is asked to message Nicola on Facebook.

Michael and Nicola have meanwhile also signed up for the 23-mile Kiltwalk to raise money for Duchenne UK and donations to Michael’s fund can be made at www.gofundme.com/michaelsduchennefight