A Scottish teenager has opened up about his life with an ultra rare condition which affects just 13 people worldwide.
Dylan Lombard, 18, from Glasgow, has MDP - Mandibular Hypoplasia, with Deafness and Progeroid Features.
The condition means his body is unable to store fat. It affects just one in six-hundred-million people worldwide - preventing fatty tissue from being stored underneath the skin, and resulting in a small lower jaw, ears, deafness and tightening of the skin.
Dylan said: "I was born with this condition, but it did not become visible until I was 18 months old.
"My mum was seeing me drop a lot of weight and became understandably very worried.
"It took doctor's 10 years in order diagnose me with this condition after constant visits because of its obscurity."
He added: "There is only 12 other people in the world who have MDP besides me, but when we got the diagnosis, we were just relieved because we finally knew what it was."
The condition's physical effects have meant that Dylan has often experienced people staring or commenting on his appearance.
He added: "Growing up it has been really tough seeing people staring, laughing and treating me differently, but I have learned to not let it affect me as I have gotten older.
"I surround myself with those who support me and love me for who I am which is the best feeling in the world."
Dylan now is incredibly passionate about spreading awareness for his condition and uses his platform to keep the public aware of MDP.
He explained: "I think I am at a stage in my life where I just really want to help educate people about my condition.
"I love to tell my story, reach out and connect with people from all around the world.
"When I do, I honestly believe it makes me stronger and a more confident person."
MDP means that Dylan is not able to do take part in many physical activities like contact sports, but he managed to find his passion at the age of just 11 in photography.
Dylan explained: " I was out walking on a rainy day and took a few pictures on my phone to show my parents which they were really amazed by.
"They encouraged me to take more, and I have been snapping ever since.
"At 15, my mum bought me my first camera and I haven't looked back since, photography is just the most incredible thing to me."
Dylan takes his inspiration from his city, capturing the essence of Glasgow through his perception.
He added: "The weather may not be the best, but I love living in Scotland.
"I am certainly Glaswegian and proud, and I love showing what my city has to offer.
"When I take a photo, it stays with me forever and that feeling is just indescribable."
Dylan believes that everybody, no matter who they are, has the ability to be the best version of themselves.
He said: "I am a lot more than just my condition, which is why I feel it is so important to share my story."
"Nobody should ever be afraid of who they are, and it is important to just keep doing what makes you happy.
"Perseverance is key, never give up."
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