THE family of a young man who battled a muscle-wasting condition throughout his life have paid tribute to the science-fiction fan, who died this month.

Michael Winterbone, 23, from Ferryhill, County Durham, died in hospital on January 5, the day after he was admitted with heart problems.

Mr Winterbone was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) when he was eight months old. The hereditary condition also affected his brother Robert, who died in 2009 aged 29.

His parents, Leslie and Yvonne, and sister Lorraine, 29, described Mr Winterbone, who was wheelchair- bound and suffered chronic heart disease, as an avid Star Wars fan who loved computers and the internet.

Mrs Winterbone said: “We were told that the life expectancy for DMD sufferers was 21, but Robert lived to 29 and Michael lived to 23.

“Michael was very quiet and quite introverted, but very witty.

“He loved researching things on the internet and games like Warhammer and World of Warcraft.

He thrived on information and loved animals and anything to do with science fiction.”

Miss Winterbone, who has a prize-winning racing greyhound called Micky Robbie, in tribute to her brothers, said: “Whenever Michael said something, it was always really funny. He would be listening to conversations then would chip in with a comment which would have everyone laughing.”

Mr Winterbone said: “He was one of those people who, if someone met him, he would touch their life and they would always remember him.”

The family spoke of their shock at how quickly his health deteriorated after he went to The University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham City, on January 4, but praised staff for their help and support.

His funeral service will take place at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, at 2.45pm tomorrow.

Family flowers only are requested.

Donations in lieu of flowers will be taken for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and the hospital’s coronary care unit.