Glasgow man battling rare condition for 16 years which left him unable to walk

A Glasgow man has been battling a rare degenerative condition for 16 years leaving him unable to walk.

When he was 14 years old, Robbie Martin noticed that one of his hips were significantly bigger than the other while looking in the mirror.

The teen was taken by his mum, Jen, for a check-up at the doctor to get to the root of the issue.

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Medical professionals diagnosed Robbie with Friedrich’s ataxia, which is a genetic condition that can cause damage to the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and the cerebellum portion of the brain over time.

The news shocked the family to the core as the then 14-year-old seemed fine, however, his condition worsened and Robbie's confidence dwindled

The now 30-year-old told Glasgow Live: "I buried my head in the sand.

"I felt like I had nothing wrong with me but I was told that these things were going to happen. I was in denial.

"My dad had opened a little bistro in town and my mum took me to the appointment. Later they were both in the car crying their eyes out. We were scared of the unknown.

"I left school before my 17th birthday. I didn't tell anyone in school that I had the condition apart from my best friend because I felt embarrassed."

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At the age of 17, Robbie met Kerri, who has stood by his side ever since as he continues his fight with Friedrich’s ataxia.

She said: "When I met him his hearing and speech was a lot better but he was a recluse.

"He was able to use pieces of furniture to help him walk. Robbie then had spinal fusion surgery at 18 because he had severe scoliosis due to the ataxia.

"It was a massive nine hour surgery but he didn't have it in him to walk again. It was too hard, that's when he went full-time into a wheelchair.

"We've seen loads of specialists over the years but no one can definitively say what is going to happen to Robbie. Everyone's ataxia affects them differently."

Despite the genetic condition the couple enjoyed holidays together and Robbie has managed to watch his beloved Manchester United at Old Trafford. The pair eventually got married and enjoyed a honeymoon in Las Vegas.

However, the ataxia has continued to impact the 30-year-old's life.

His loving wife explained: "It was getting worse but in that moment you don't realise.

"We are dealing with it day-by-day. I used to be able to go to work and Robbie was able to sort himself out.

"Then we started to notice that he wasn't able to get up. We eventually moved to Castlemilk to a more accessible flat but Robbie's condition was getting a lot worse.

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"Not long after we moved, Covid hit so I had to stop working at the office. I think the pandemic had a big impact on Robbie's life because we went from doing normal things to being on our own.

"We were trying to navigate this condition while not having anyone around us. It made Robbie socially anxious because he didn't want people to see that he was now finding it hard to speak."

Due to the rarity of the condition Robbie started to feel isolated. It wasn't until he reached out to a group on social media called the ataxia and fitness page which encourages people to stay active with the condition, that he started to be more comfortable with speaking about Friedrich’s ataxia.

Robbie said: "Now I feel so much better about myself. We all talk to each other and support each other.

"I've made friends in Brazil, America and in Scotland who all have ataxia. Some people I know are now on drug trials for it.

"I spent most of my 20s worried sick about it. If I reached out earlier it would've helped so much.

"I now want to encourage other people."

Although the 30-year-old has come to terms with the condition mentally, it is still taking its toll on his body. Robbie has undergone intense rehab and Achilles heel lengthening surgery in a bid to make his life more comfortable.

The couple faced a setback last October after the Castlemilk man had a serious accident while taking their dog out for a walk - an activity he loves.

Kerri said: "Robbie likes to take Minnie out because it gives him some independence.

"He was using his electric wheelchair and as he went round the bend he fell into a huge ditch. He broke his collarbone and doctors told us that he could've broken his neck.

"Robbie still hasn't fully recovered from that and it has caused his legs to be painful.

"I try not to get upset because I don't think it's fair on Robbie. It is horrible to watch because sometimes he won't be able to do things he did before.

"He is so positive despite what he is dealing with."

The family are now raising funds to buy a triride which they believe will give Robbie his confidence and independence back. The wheelchair attachment allows users to have more control and it is easier to transport in the car.

Kerri added: "It would give Robbie total freedom.

"Currently if I can't push him somewhere we won't be able to go. This will make life so much easier.

"They are ridiculously expensive though but for us the triride is the only way forward."

To visit the gofundme click here