An Angus mum has told how her son is living with a rare condition which can cause him to slip into a coma at any time.
Sandra Pattie from Forfar watched in horror as Greg was rushed to hospital as a baby after passing out in the bath.
She is now preparing to run her first London Marathon at the age of 49 to benefit CLIMB (Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases) a charity that has supported Greg for the past 20 years.
At that time he was one of just three children in the UK to be confirmed as having MCADD (Medium chain acyl dehydrogenase deficiency), which can cause him to slip into a coma due to his body being unable to break down fats correctly.
To thank the group and the NHS staff who have supported the family over the last two decades Sandra, who is a member of Forfar Road Runners, decided to take on her first marathon.
She said: ”As long as Greg eats healthily and properly he is fine, but he must not fast. That is the most important thing.
”He goes to the gym a lot and is very fit, but he will never be able to undertake any endurance sports, so I thought I could do the running for him.
”I have never run a marathon before but I decided I wanted to give something back and knowing it is for charity will drive me on.”
When Greg first started having episodes as a baby he was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and had to be put on an emergency drip. Doctors initially couldn’t identify what was causing the sickness and the condition was not well known in the country at that time.
The 20-year-old, who works as a project engineer in Forfar, must carry medical notes with him detailing his symptoms in a similar way to diabetics.
When on holiday with friends he must be careful not to drink too much as alcohol can have an adverse effect on him.
Greg’s brother Liam (24) who is a policeman, does not have MCADD.
Having had to keep a close eye on her son all his life, Sandra, who works in the Forfar Registration Office, praised the support given by the NHS in keeping the family informed and providing regular checks.
Although she has previously done some distance running, the famous 26-mile slog across the capital on Sunday will be her toughest challenge yet.
”Although Greg is fit, active and still attends yearly appointments at the metabolic clinic within Ninewells Hospital to monitor his progress, he had been advised not to participate in any endurance sports as this could have a dramatic effect on his metabolism,” Sandra said.
”However, he is keen to support me in this challenge and any money raised will be used specifically for research into metabolic diseases and also to support families of someone diagnosed with MCADD.”
Sandra’s training consists of Monday night hill and speed sessions, a club run on a Wednesday followed by a tour round a longer route at the weekend. She is also trying to improve her fitness by attending a combat class twice weekly.
”I hope also to hold a fundraising event sometime after the London Marathon, but in the meantime I would be very grateful for any donations to this worthwhile cause.”
To sponsor Sandra’s efforts call 07411213931 or email sandrapattie@hotmail.co.uk. Alternatively donations can be handed in to Forfar Registration Office at 9 West High Street.