Keith wants to support others suffering from incurable PSP disease

An Arbroath man dying from a fatal and rare condition is hoping to establish a ring of support for people in Tayside and Fife suffering from the disease.

Keith Swankie was diagnosed with PSP progressive supranuclear palsy a year ago and has approximately seven years to live.

The condition causes the rapid death of nerve cells in the brain, leading to a loss of movement, mobility, speech and a range of other symptoms.

Keith, 42, has spoken out about the condition in a bid to raise awareness of PSP, which affects approximately 4,000 in the UK.

He and his wife Sheelagh hope to create a support group.

The PSP Association (PSPA) has 25 support groups around the country.

Wendy Crofts, volunteer services manager at the PSPA, said: “Since March we have developed 15 new support groups and for where there is a group, the difference it is making to people is huge.

“But we know there is a need for more groups and it is great Keith and Sheelagh are willing to run one for us in this area.”