A fundraiser has been set up for a five-year-old Bradford boy with a serious muscle condition.
Forrest Domanski, 5, from Thornton, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in October last year.
He has since begun using a wheelchair due to the progressive loss of mobility caused by the disease.
DMD, which primarily affects boys, is caused by a lack of the protein dystrophin, leading to muscle breakdown and gradual weakening.
Forrest said: "My legs hurt.
"I wish I could play more but I can’t walk very well."
'Strongest little boy I know'
His father, Jozef Domanski, described his son’s courage.
Mr Domanski said: "He’s the strongest little boy I know.
"He’s so resilient."
Forrest and Jozef Domanski
(Image: Mike Simmonds)
The family began noticing symptoms two years ago when Forrest struggled to keep up with his cousins and other children.
Forrest’s great-aunt, Josephine Domanski, said: "He’s so happy-go-lucky.
"He gets on with it the best he can."
Fundraiser launched in August
Ms Domanski set up a fundraiser earlier this month in order to raise money for treatment and mobility aids.
Mr Domanski said: "The support we’ve had from friends and family has been amazing.
"Nothing’s going to change the outcome, but if we can give him a day out or a nice holiday.
"Let’s do something positive for him."
He also spoke about the emotional toll of the diagnosis.
Mr Domanski said: "I feel like I’m on borrowed time.
Forrest Domanski, 5, with his dad and great-aunt
(Image: T&A)
"It’s hard to keep showing up and getting on with it every day.
"You have to put on a brave face.
"I’ve got to be strong for him.
"But how can you process something like this?"
What is DMD?
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is caused by a lack of a protein called dystrophin.
It causes muscle fibres to break down and be replaced by fibrous or fatty tissues.
This leads muscles to gradually weaken and affect mobility.
Whilst there is currently no cure, treatments include steroids, gene therapy and physiotherapies.
Forrest's GoFundMe page can be found here: https://gofund.me/3c00402af