THE parents of a wee Greenock boy with a life-limiting muscle wasting condition have said 'well-plaid' to supporters who helped them raise a fortune for charity at the Kiltwalk.

Michael and Nicola Rankin’s son Michael was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy last year after his parents noticed he struggled with his speech, was unable to jump and struggled to run quickly.

Since the devastating diagnosis they family have been working to raise awareness and money to allow Michael to have fun with the family including his younger brother Max.

The family recently had the opportunity to share Michael’s story with a wider audience when they were invited on stage at the Kiltwalk after being selected as the lead walkers.

Nicola and her husband and 13 friends raised £3,971 for Duchenne UK at the event.

Nicola said: “There was a team of 15 of us and we got picked to be lead walkers and got to share Michael’s story.

“It was a great experience for us all and we met Sir Tom Hunter, Jackie Bird and Judy Murray and all had a great day.

“Michael was there at the beginning and he started the walk with us, which was great.

"Michael really enjoyed it.

“Thank-you to everyone who took time to donate money, including Specsavers in Greenock who sponsored their colleague and my cousin Claire Kincaid.

"We would walk to the ends of the earth to help Michael – and other children like him - and we are so pleased that we’ve been able to raise almost £4,000 for this wonderful charity through this year’s Kiltwalk."

The event followed on from a successful local fundraiser organised by Nicola’s cousin Stephanie Davenport

The Michael’s Duchenne Fight Charity Night collected £1,400, which was split between the appeal and Duchenne UK.

Nicola said: “We had about 80 people on the night and we were delighted.

“We had so many prizes to give out and it was great fun.

“We feel very honoured that so many people wanted to help.

"With the money raised we bought Michael a pea pod chair, which allows him to be comfortable sitting in the house while also giving him support and maintaining his posture.

“Thank-you to Stephanie for organising it all and to everyone who donated prizes, bought tickets and came along on the night, we are so grateful.”

Michael is now adjusting to being on steroids which have given him more energy.

He will soon be fitted for splints which will help keep his calf muscles stretched in a better position while sleeping.