A 23-year-old man who died last week after a lifelong battle with muscular dystrophy has been described as a “funny, loving person”.

Since the death of Nathan Smith, who lived in Chalfont St Giles, friends have started to raise money to help continue fund research looking into the debilitating condition.

As the second youngest of nine children, family was important to Nathan and those who knew him best say he was always “full of life” and enjoyed spending time on the farm where he lived in Chalfont Road.

His mother, Lorna Smith, said: “Everyone knew him. We are a big family, so he was always kept busy with his brothers and sisters.

“When he was born we were told he had muscular dystrophy, but it didn’t really affect him until he was about eight-years-old.

“He really enjoyed being on the farm and he lived for the outdoor lifestyle.

“He loved the outdoors and animals. He had lots of different things to keep him busy on the farm.”

She added: “We’re all still in shock that he has gone, we had been told he would probably survive until late teens, but it is still far too soon.

“He went in hospital on May 1 and fought off everything that hit him, and on the day we were due to take him home he had a panic and suffered another heart attack.

“He was very popular, he used to go out to meet his friends every week and they would go in cars, and they would all wait to see him.

“He touched so many lives and he has just been taken away too soon.”

Bucks Free Press:

Nathan Smith.

Nathan leaves behind mother Lorna and father John, as well as older siblings Lorna, Liza, John-boy, Clayton, Lacey, Jimmy and younger sister Libby.

Following his death, Jaynie started an online fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy UK which has already surpassed their target of £500.

She said: “Anywhere he went, everyone seemed to know him. He was a funny, really loving person, who had time for everyone and never let his illness get in the way.

“Sadly it was too late to find a cure for Nathan, but there are many children and young adults, just like him, suffering with MD, hoping for a breakthrough in fighting this condition.”

To donate money or for more information, visit www.justgiving.com/Jaynie-Garman

Nathan’s funeral will be held at 2pm in St Mary’s Church in Countess Close, Harewood, tomorrow. All friends are welcome.

Did you know Nathan? Leave your tributes by commenting below or email andrew.colley@london.newsquest.co.uk