A man who was ditched by his pals due to his mental health diagnosis has become his baby nephew's hero - and the tot can't get enough of his uncle.
Josephine Cumine, 31, said that her baby, Beau, refused to settle with anyone but one day he sat on the sofa with her brother, Alexander 'Adder' Shepherd, and the pair instantly bonded.
Now the baby is excited whenever Adder comes round, and looks forward to settling on the sofa with him and watching a film, which has become a daily ritual.
Josephine said the adorable bond between the two couldn't have come at a better time as Adder had just been abandoned by his friends after he'd been diagnosed with a mental health issue.
What do you think about the pair's incredible bond? Let us know in the comments...
Josephine, from Crail, Scotland, said: "Adder always brings a Curly Wurly chocolate bar for each of my children when he visits.
"He bought Beau his first football and he always says he will be a pro player one day, he looks so proud when he sees him kicking the ball.
"Adder plays guitar and sometimes beau will do a little dance while he plays. Beau tries to grab the strings while Adder is playing, but he is so patient with him."
Josephine posted a compilation video of Adder and Beau meeting up to watch a film on TikTok which went viral, racking up over 860,000 likes.
Adder has struggled with his mental health throughout his life as a result of multiple traumatic brain injuries, but started showing symptoms of schizophrenia in his late teens.
He was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, and also contracted meningitis at the age of 12, then, while at university, he was hit over the head with a barstool.
Nurse Josephine said: "He is extremely intelligent and was doing physics and maths at university before his schizophrenia became apparent.
"He couldn't complete the course due to his illness. Adder will speak to anyone. He values kindness and generosity - there are a lot of misconceptions that people with schizophrenia are inherently dangerous.
"I have been told so many times that Adder will hurt my son and it's not the case. I am so proud, I couldn't ask for a better role model for my son.
"Adder will protect him and teach him compassion."
When Josephine brought home her youngest son Beau from the hospital in July 2020, Adder was immediately smitten.
As COVID restrictions eased, Adder would visit his nephew nearly every day to snuggle up for a film.
Josephine said they've watched over 100 different flicks together, ranging from Peppa Pig to Jumanji.
The mum-of-three said: "Adder loved him from the day he was brought home from hospital.
"They are both kind, caring, innocent souls.
"They have no judgement or preconceptions of others, just love and acceptance.
Do you have a story to share? We'd love to hear all about it. Get in touch via yourmirror@mirror.co.uk
