A council candidate who suffers from a rare disease that is often fatal in childhood is fighting for an accessible park gate to be reopened. 

Joe McCauley, 30, survived a major seizure and stroke like symptoms in 2019, which saw him black out and end up in hospital for a month.

Pointing out it was a “miracle” that he made it, the former political worker described not being able to breathe or speak and being rushed to A&E. 

He was eventually diagnosed with Leigh disease last year, which impacts his, speech, coordination and ability to walk.

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Joe said: “Most people with my disease die as a baby. For me to get this far is an achievement. But things will get worse. It won’t get better.”

Realising how “fragile” life is, Joe is standing as a councillor in the Linn by- election for the Scottish Liberal Democrats to break down barriers and make a difference. 

He said: “I want to make people are aware that no matter what you have you can stand. I aim to make sure people with disabilities are not forgotten. I don’t know how much time I have. I have a progressive disorder, but I am determined to use it to do the best for people here.”

Maintaining his mental health through visiting green spaces is vital for Joe so he is campaigning for the only accessible gate at Linn Park to be reopened at Snuff Mill Bridge.

He said: “It’s vital the park is open so people can walk and exercise to help them with their mental health which has been a huge issue for people during the pandemic.

“Getting out in green spaces is really important for me as my mental health has been greatly effected.”

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If elected the former Holyrood Secondary School pupil is also keen to campaign for better public transport, which he experiences first hand as he can’t drive due to his disability.  He said: “I want to improve the city’s transport as there are quite a few issues. I can’t drive anymore so I’m on and off buses. I want to be able to rely on timetables.”

Community matters including reducing anti-social behaviour, working with residents on planning issues and supporting the NHS would also be a focus for Joe.  Joe’s family are originally from Castlemik but he is currently living in the Gorbals with his mother after his diagnosis.

Following his major seizure he had to regain strength and relearn co-ordination again and has been in hospital a number of times including over Christmas. Because mitochondrial disease is so rare, Joe also has to travel to Newcastle for some treatment as well as receiving care in Glasgow.  He said: “It takes a lot of stamina. But I don’t want disabilities to stand in the way.”

Commenting on his bid to be elected as a Liberal Democrat politician in the upcoming by-election, Joe said: “Other parties have more people, we have a small group here . For me it is about trying to do my best.”

Voters in the Linn ward will go to the polls on Thursday, November 17.

Standing in the ward are John Carson for Labour, Chris Lang-Tait for the SNP, Pauline Sutherland for the Conservatives and Jen Bell for the Scottish Greens.

There are also candidates from Alba (Kirsty Fraser), UKIP (Christopher Ho), the Scottish Socialist Party (George Willis) and the Freedom Alliance (Di McMillan).

The by-election was called following the death of Labour councillor Malcolm Cunning.