Co Kildare's Tommie (9) is one of only 700 affected by rare condition

Young Tommie Thornton from Celbridge  suffers from muscular dystrophy but refuses to let it hold him back.

The nine-year-old is one of only 700 people in Ireland affected by the serious muscle-wasting condition.

However the all-action kid who loves school, swimming and building Lego.

Mum Miriam says the Celbridge, Co Kildare, lad begins and ends every day with a smile.

She said: "He walks most places and only requires a wheelchair on long journeys. He really is a lovely child."

Miriam was speaking as part of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland's LOVEMDI Fundraising and Awareness Campaign supported by model Sarah Morrissey.

It aims to highlight challenges faced by people with the condition.