A BARRHEAD dad aims to tackle a 50-mile charity trek across the Arctic Circle...with his brave boy providing inspiration every step of the way.

David Courtenay, 36, will set off on a six-day expedition in February next year in aid of the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

He has been inspired by his two-year-old son Adam, who was diagnosed with a rare and life-limiting brain condition called Bilateral Sturge-Weber Syndrome that causes him to suffer up to 10 epileptic seizures a day.

Barrhead News:

Adam was born with a port wine stain birthmark covering his head and face, which has resulted in an extra layer of blood vessels over his brain.

This means his brain cannot develop in the way it can for others, due to a lack of blood and oxygen.

Despite his difficulties, Adam has amazed proud parents David and Louise with his determination.

Louise, 37, told the Barrhead News: “Sturge-Weber Syndrome is a rare condition that affects one in every 50,000 babies and there are three different types and different spectrums.

“There are children who can walk, talk and go to school but, unfortunately for Adam, he has it on both sides of his brain and, because of the severity of his condition, it is life-limiting.

"However, Adam has changed us for the better. He has changed the way we look at life and it has made us stronger.”

Last September, David climbed Mont Blanc to raise money for the charity but has now decided to challenge himself further.

He will be joined by his friends Ryan and Nikki Watt, who are brothers, to take on the Arctic trek.

Barrhead News:

David, who is also dad to daughter Emma, six, and step-dad to Tegan, eight, said: “I did a trek in France, Italy and Switzerland, where there were 18 of us, and I really enjoyed that. We raised over £100,000 between us.

“This Arctic trek is a bit of a step up, though.

“They reckon the average temperature for the Arctic trek will be minus 30 Celsius when we’re there and day one is 28km, so it is quite far – and in the snow as well.”

Louise is playing her part in the latest fundraising drive by signing up for a 26-mile Kiltwalk next month, with a race night to be held in Barrhead Servicemen’s Club in May.

Their target is £12,000.

A number of local businesses, including McCabe Opticians, The Cross Stobbs and Scott’s Stores, are also helping to raise cash.

If you would like to donate, click here.