The children of a former firefighter who was once knocked back from pubs for being 'too drunk' before being given a devastating diagnosis fear they will inherit his condition. Martin Barker, from Glasgow, was in his mid 30s when he was diagnosed with Ataxia - a degenerative disorder which affects speech, balance and coordination.
The now 55-year-old was forced to take medical retirement from his beloved job of 25 years in the fire service. He has been left wheelchair bound, unable to speak and lost his independence following his diagnosis.
Martin's family have learned to communicate with the proud dad, and his two boys Ewan, 24, and Michael, 28, act as his translator in public - but both now fear the hereditary condition will be passed onto them.
