A man said he gave up having kids of his own to avoid passing on his incurable rare brain condition.

David Steed suffers from adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), which leaves him relying on crutches and is constantly exhausted.

The 50-year-old, from Paisley, was diagnosed with the genetic disorder 18 years ago following being tested after watching a family member die of the same disease.

He was then forced to wait for his symptoms to one day suddenly appear, which tragically happened three years ago.

David is now speaking out for Adrenoleukodystrophy Awareness Month and told the Glasgow Times about his experience.

He said: “I don't have kids because I know if I had a daughter, she would be a carrier and that really put me off.

“I wouldn’t want anyone else to have this condition.

“My mobility has changed a lot. I walk with crutches now and have a lot of fatigue.

“The condition is annoying for me and I do suffer from depression now.

“It is life-limiting so there is really nothing I can do about my ALD.

“I always knew the symptoms would appear one day. I just didn’t know when.

“I’m trying not to think about how it could affect me in the future as it will worsen.”

Glasgow Times: Newsquest, Colin MearnsNewsquest, Colin Mearns (Image: Newsquest, Colin Mearns)

Adrenoleukodystrophy is a hereditary condition that damages the membrane that insulates nerve cells in your brain.

The condition affects the adrenal glands and ‘white matter’, causing a progressive loss of physical and mental skills, according to the NHS.

According to the NHS the illness affects approximately one in every 20,000 males, making it very rare.

However, just a few miles away from David lives Michael Conway, a dad who also suffers from the condition.

The 55-year-old also relies on crutches and said he hasn’t had a good night sleep in at least eight years and his body is permanently exhausted.

He was amazed to find out he lives so close David, as he has had to leave Scotland to find someone like him before.

Michael said: "I think it is quite amazing that we have two people with the same very rare brain disease living only a few miles apart.

 "I previously had to go to London to find somebody else in my position in 2018.

"For me it can be hard because every single morning I wake up and I feel like I have done ten rounds with a boxer.

“I do not feel one bit refreshed at all. As soon as my eyes open the challenge begins every day.

“I don’t think I have had a good night's sleep in at least eight years, I am so tired.

“It is so hard to concentrate, and I have very short-term memory, it can make things a real struggle.

“My balance is very bad, so I need crutches and also suffer muscle spasms."

Michael hopes more awareness of the illness will help people get diagnosed and push for more research.

He added: “There is no cure or medication to help symptoms but if there was more awareness and research that might really help.

“We need more children to be screened and tested for it so that it can be caught early.

“Even though it is life-limiting I try to keep a good positive attitude about it. I don’t want to dwell on it, I just want to get on with my life.”

If you are struggling with adrenoleukodystrophy or know someone who is, you can contact support services like The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC) for more information.

Alex TLC is a trusted and experienced organisation offering support and information for all those affected by a genetic leukodystrophy.

Formerly ALD Life, it is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for people affected by adrenoleukodystrophy and adrenomyeloneuropathy.