A PAIR of Irvine siblings who have been diagnosed with the same rare terminal illness have received messages of support from their favourite celebrities.

Liam and Jessica Greenwood have both been diagnosed with Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia (PCH) – a condition caused by mutations in certain genes passed on from parents.

The illness has left Jessica unable to walk, talk, swallow or communicate and the James MacFarlane School pupil is receiving palliative care.

Liam, 11, has not deteriorated quite so far as Jessica, 12, but doctors are unable to tell parents Claire and Martin, how long they have left with their children.

Since being given the devastating double diagnosis in June this year the family have been receiving help and support from family and friends.

However, now celebrities of sport and screen have come out to support them by sending the kids video messages of encouragement.

The pair are huge Kilmarnock FC fans and former star striker Kris Boyd was one of the first to send a warm message. He said: “Hi Liam, Jessica just a wee msg for you I know how brave you have been and continue to be. I know you’re massive Killie fans and I’d just like to say thank you very much for all the support over the years.

“It’s been greatly appreciated especially from myself so thank you very much and I’ll hopefully see you soon.”

Also sending a message was Rangers player Jordan Jones who said: “Hi Liam, Jessica, Martin and Claire. Jordan Jones here. We are so sorry to hear you’re going through a tough time right now but want you to know that the Rangers family are right behind you. Everyone at the club is sending you our best wishes. Stay strong.”

Soap opera star Leah McCrae and the rest of the River City cast also joined in with the video messages. Leah said: “Hi Liam and Jessica. A little birdie told me about how amazing you two are. How brave and how incredibly strong you’re being just now and I just wanted to send you a little message to send you loads and loads of love.”

Liam and Jessica’s mum Claire said the celebrities had shown the family “amazing support”.