A North Tyneside boy was the real life superhero at Comic Con ahead of celebrating his 11th birthday which he wasn't expected to make.
Milo Browne, from North Shields, was invited by Monopoly Events to be guest of honour at Comic Con North East at the Utilita Arena on Saturday and Sunday.
The 10-year-old suffers from a rare degenerative condition so unique it is known only as M3BHA and there is no diagnosis. The condition causes Milo to suffer from seizure and respiratory problems and he is unable to talk or eat, sit or stand without being fully supported meaning he needs 24-hour care.
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At the end of last year, Milo's health declined and his mum and dad, Stephen Browne and Laura Davidson, were told the time they have left with him is limited, but he has continued to defy the odds
The youngster met an array of stars including Buffy the Vampire Slayer alumni James Marsters, actor Nick Frost, as well as the Ghost Busters, Darth Vader and Deadpool.
Stephen said: "We wanted to give Milo the best day because we can't take him to events like this.
"We had to take eight canisters of oxygen with us. James Marsters who played Spike in Buffy said 'There is only one star here and that's Milo' and Nick Frost said it was an honour to your boy. Every person stopped to take a photo with Milo.
"Milo has a huge impact on the lives around him. This boy is smiling at the face of death every day."
Stephen and Laura have raised tens of thousands of pounds from market stalls for their charity called Our Milo which will be used to fund a fully adapted caravan for people to use.
At the weekend more than £4,000 was raised for the charity through the sale of handmade items.
Stephen said: "We were hoping to raise £100 maybe £200 but to raise more than £4,000 is just incredible and there is still more to come from various raffles and tombolas.
"We are a family in the North East, and the North East sticks by the North East if someone needs help."
Now, the Browne's are preparing to celebrate Milo's 11th birthday on Saturday, June 3 - a milestone they did not expect to reach.
Stephen said: "I think it is really hard because there have been so many times when Milo is in hospital that he's not coming home, this will be his last Christmas, his last birthday. Every time we think this is the last time.
"We have to push it to one side, we know it is going to happen, we are not naïve.
"Since January there have been all the unknowns and uncertainty, making funeral plans - planning your son's funeral is something no parent should have to do.
"Then there are all these amazing people who say they want to help you, we want to help your son."
To mark the milestone Milo and his family are holding a family fun day at The Parks Sports Centre, Howdon Road, North Shields on June 10 between 11am and 4pm. The event will have a Disney and superhero theme.
Stephen said: "We can see Milo slipping away and he is struggling more and smiling a lot less. We want to do as much as we can while he can."
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