Blake McMillan well-wishers urged to get their skates on

The family of an Angus boy who suffers from one of the rarest illnesses in the world is urging people to get their skates on to help find a cure.

Blake McMillan from Carnoustie suffers from MeCP2 Duplication Syndrome – only the fifth boy in Scotland to be diagnosed.

Blake’s family work tirelessly to raise money to fund research into MeCP2 Duplication Syndrome.

One of the studies has discovered the condition can be reversed, giving renewed hope for Blake’s family.

A roller skating event is being held at Forfar Indoor Sports on Saturday, September 3 in aid of this research.

It will be the last chance to roller skate before the new season’s ice is laid.

Denise Black, organiser of the Get Your Skates on for Blake event, said: “Blake has a special place in my heart.

“His mummy Jenny is amazing and works so hard to raise funds and I just like to do my little bit.

“I feel good knowing that I can help make a difference to Blake and others lives by raising as much money as possible.

“I would like to say a special thanks to Mike Ferguson for letting me hold my event at Forfar Indoor Sports and supporting this worthwhile charity.

“Thanks also to local businesses such as Dundee Cheesecakes who have generously donated items.

“Please come along for a fun day to raise much needed funds for this cruel condition.”

Jenny said her life revolves around caring for her children and trying to raise funds to cure Blake’s “dreadful condition”.

She added: “It is just wonderful when individuals take on an event for me.

“It is a lot of work coordinating events, so when Denise offered to arrange the roller skating event, I was over the moon.

“Denise has been a firm supporter of my fundraising campaign from the beginning and has done various things for Blake and I imagine she has more to come.

“I want to thank everyone in advance for doing this for my wee boy, especially Denise.”

The condition occurs almost exclusively in males and is characterised by moderate to severe intellectual disability.

Most people with this condition also have weak muscle tone in infancy, feeding difficulties, poor or no speech, seizures, and muscle stiffness.

Individuals with MeCP2 Duplication Syndrome have delayed development of motor skills such as sitting and walking.

Blake was diagnosed with the incurable condition when he was just 20 days old.

Earlier this year he battled for his life after he was rushed to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh under police escort.

The event will run from 4pm to 6pm and Mr Ferguson has agreed to donate half of every £5 entry fee to Blake.

Burgers and hotdogs will be on sale, there will be face painting and a raffle, and a bar will be open for spectators.

People can bring their own roller skates or hire at the venue.

The fundraiser is off to a flying start — £470 has already been raised from the Dundee United bonus ball hospitality package donated by David Mullholland at United for All.