Marten McFee, the son of former MSP Bruce McFee, passed away at the tender age of four on Sunday night.

The Kilbarchan toddler, who lived with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, was the apple of his doting dad’s eye and had proved to be a miracle throughout his short life.

Mobility, bone and breathing problems had been a fixture throughout Marten’s life since he was born, with his twin brother Erik, in December 2010.

His parents, Bruce and Iris, dedicated all their time to care for the brave tot and had helped to promote a pioneering treatment named Advanced Bio-Mechanical Rehabilitation (ABR) for those with cerebral palsy.

But on Monday morning, little Marten McFee sadly lost his battle, shattering the hearts of many people in the community.

Distraught parents, Bruce and Iris McFee, expressed their agony over his untimely death, describing Marten as their “brave wee boy.” A statement released by the family on Facebook said: “We have some really bad news for you all. News we hoped we’d never have to tell. Marten died this evening.

“It was very sudden and happened as he slept. We cannot believe that our little boy has been taken from us.

“That we’ll never see his beautiful smiling face again. The mischief in his eye as he gave you one of his looks.

“The petty lip when he didn’t get what he wanted, and his ability to shed a single tear that would melt even the hardest of hearts. Right now the tears are in our eyes.

“Marten was a fighter, a brave wee boy who loved his life and was loved in return by everyone that knew him.

“In due course we will let you know of the arrangements, but for now we thank you all for being a part of his life.” Hundreds of tributes also poured in on social media for the toddler whose battle touched so many lives.

A poignant tribute left by family friend, Stella McAuley Sneddon, said: “Marten McFee was the most lovable, amazing little boy who throughout his short life touched the heart of many.

“No amount of words can ever describe Marten but he was a true strong little Scots man whose memory will live on in those who knew and loved him. Fly high Marty. RIP.” Sandy Pratt also left a touching message of condolence to the family, saying: “Words fail me at this time a shock to us all and the arm of friendship encircling the family at this time be proud in all that you did for Marten.

“You never gave up hope and he passed away in the love of a supermum and superdad and a silly Erik that made his short life so special. Rip wee button boy.” Lena Doherty, of Johnstone, also commented: “Bruce, Iris and Erik, no words I could ever say to help. Can’t begin to imagine your loss. Our lives were enriched having known marten such a special little boy with a beautiful smile. Thinking and praying for you.” The Gazette chronicled Marten’s remarkable journey and struggles throughout the years but it was father Bruce who had always believed in the incredible treatment ABR which allowed his son to lead a better quality of life. The treatment is a unique rehabilitative approach for children and young adults with cerebral palsy and other brain injuries that brings predictable recovery of the musculo-skeletal structure and motor functions.

ABR is a gentle, hands-on treatment involving slow compressions, performed by parents and carers, who learn the technique and receive an individually tailored programme of movements from ABR professional staff.

And after giving up his job as a SNP MSP, Bruce used his skills to raise cash for Marten’s Progress, a charity the couple set up to pay for Marten’s medical costs.

The McFee family have raised tens of thousands of pounds for Marten’s Progress.

Friends of the family have praised them on Facebook.