Music legend Sir Paul McCartney could provide a lifeline for a pioneering campaign launched by a Glasgow teenager.

A Fender Stratocaster signed by the former Beatle is being auctioned to raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis campaign, Shine on Scotland, launched by 16-year-old Ryan McLaughlin.

Ryan, from Drumchapel, has waged a long battle to educate people on the benefits of vitamin D in preventing diseases such as MS, which his mother Kirsten has.

As a result of his campaigning the Scottish Government agreed to launch a health programme to educate pregnant women about the importance of taking regular vitamin supplements.

However Ryan's father Alan revealed the charity is struggling financially and the family is desperately hoping Macca's fans will help raise the thousands of pounds they need to keep it afloat.

The guitar went under the hammer in an online auction and bids started at $1500.

The family has also been given a number of other items including a boxing glove from the Rocky films signed by Sylvester Stallone and a baseball bat signed by the US President, Barack Obama.

They were given the items by an American firm which specialises in signed celebrity memorabilia for the benefit of charities.

Alan said: "We are absolutely delighted to have got the guitar.

"It's basically the difference between saving the campaign and going under.

"We are down to less than £50 in savings.

"Ryan's ultimate aim is to turn the campaign into a research foundation.

Allan added: "What he has achieved has been incredible but we need the funds to do it."

An international summit on the vitamin D link with MS is also due to take place in America.

Alan revealed his wife's health had deteriorated in recent weeks after she was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.

He said: "We almost lost her a few weeks ago.They had to remove part of her bowel and she developed complications. Her left lung collapsed.

"She was in hospital for nine-and-half-weeks but is now home."

Ryan, who is about to sit his Standard Grade exams, was presented with a Young Scot Award last month.

He is also the proud owner of a Pride of Britain Award.

He organized a march and a petition that was eventually presented to the Scottish parliament.

It attracted the support of over a thousand people, including Harry Potter creator JK Rowling.

To place a bid go to shineonscotland.org.uk