THE MUM of a two year old with a rare life-limiting disease is planning a drastic transformation to help him.

Michelle McLaren, whose son Austin has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) will shave her long curly locks next week to raise money for charity.

The 40-year-old is hosting a fun day at Priesthill Parish Church complete with tombola stalls, entertainment, music and dance to raise cash for the Eileen McCallum Trust.

On Wednesday, dozens of locals are expected to gather to help fundraise for the Scottish charity which supports families of boys affected by the muscle wasting condition.

Around 1 in every 3600 boys will be born with the disease which will eventually leave them wheelchair-bound and cut short their lives.

Although girls can also carry the genetic mutation which causes DMD, the disease usually only affects boys and gradually worsens as they get older and their muscles become weaker.

Michelle and her husband David discovered Austin had the condition he was just two weeks old after having blood tests in hospital.

Mum-of-three Michelle said: "I'm very excited about the event, and I hope it raises awareness about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which Austin has.

"There are not a lot of people who know about Duchenne; I didn't until I found out I was a carrier.

"They don't always realise there is no cure or treatment for most boys and it's life limiting."

"I hope lots of people turn out to support it."

If the event on August 3 is a success, Michelle hopes to turn it in to an annual event.

She added: "We've been advertising it everywhere and as it is the summer holidays we're hoping for a very good turnout.

"My friend's son will be piping us in at 11am, and we've got entertainment throughout the day - games, music, a dance squad, and my head shave will be right at the end of the day.

"I'm not worried about having no hair, I 'm actually looking forward to not having to dry it for hours every day.

"It's more of a nuisance now I know it's all coming off.

"I've planned what scarves and things I can wear once it's done but it'll be quite a change."

"It's definitely worth it if it helps raise money for the charity.

The Eileen McCallum Trust is specifically set up to help boys in Scotland, and their families, cope with their DMD diagnosis.

They provide financial support to enable families to buy specialised equipment or adaptations their child may need when their condition develops.

This can include accessible vehicles, house alterations and wheelchairs.

Michelle and her family plan to hold a pampering evening on Wednesday at The Hall on Peat Road, with local therapists giving their services to help the charity.

Michelle said: "Hopefully the whole evening will be a more relaxed night, and people come along and enjoy themselves.

To donate to Michelle's fund, visit www.gofundme.com/n7y9mvbg