An Aberdeen charity is hoping a new film about a 40-year-old man with learning difficulties will raise awareness for a little known condition.
Mission to Lars is a documentary about Tom Spicer who is driven across America to meet the drummer of his favourite band, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich.
Tom was born with Fragile X syndrome, which affects one in 4000 men and one in 6000 women and is the most common cause of autism.
Aberdeen mum Paula Milne was able to identify more than most with the film as her son Ross, 16, also has Fragile X syndrome.
The rare condition has made him obsessed with Top Gear, which he watches on a loop and he can repeat things Jeremy Clarkson has said word for word.
He also has a fixation with the Power Rangers and has learned the words to every song by JLS, his favourite band.
Mum Paula said: “You dream about them going to college or university and getting married but that all faded when we found out about Ross. He is coming up to being 17 shortly and most 17-year-olds are getting driving lessons for their birthday but I’m sure Ross will want a plastic Power Rangers sword for his or something off Top Gear as he’ll never be able to drive.”
Edel Harris of charity Cornerstone, which supports people like Tom and Ross, is hopeful that the film can help highlight Fragile X syndrome.
She said: “In a very positive way it demonstrates that people living with disabilities can live a very valued life and contribute to having their dream realised the same as everyone else.”
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