RIDING in a supercar would be the chance of a lifetime for anyone. But for one man with multiple sclerosis, the experience took his happiness the extra mile.

Clint Sherwood from Coleview celebrated his 40th birthday in style when he was taken for a day out in a Lamborghini.

It made the MS sufferer experience something he previously thought impossible.

Race-car fan Clint was able to enjoy the day out in the luxury Italian sports car thanks to the generosity of lifelong friend David Harvey, The speed-loving duo donned F1 shirts and dark shades for the ride in the scarlet Lamborghini, a make favoured by rappers 50 Cent, Kanye West and James Bond star Pierce Brosnan.

When Clint celebrated his 40th birthday in March surrounded by friends and family, the inspirational former footballer also raised £607 for the Swindon Therapy Centre for MS after asking that birthday presents be substituted for donations to the cause.

On the day, Clint’s mum, Shirley said he was keen to live life to the full.

“He has coped with everything admirably,” she said.

“As positive as he is he doesn’t want to be engaged in his body. We try to make him as comfortable as we can.

“He still wants to live his life – he loves his nephew Harrison and makes the most of every day.

“We do as many things as family as we can.”

Clint’s birthday ride was the second time he has experienced life in the fast lane.

In 2012 he was treated to a ride in a sports car at Castle Combe race track as part of the Adver’s Christmas Wish Appeal.

Clint was just 16 when he suffered a severe bout of glandular fever in his final year at St Joseph’s College.

The gifted footballer made a full recovery and swiftly joined the Supermarines. After being knocked unconscious during a match he retrained as a carpenter and later worked as a shop fitter for many years. At the age of 32, he was being plagued with back and neck pain and loss of balance.

After a battery of tests he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a condition which affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord, causing problems with muscle movement, balance and vision.

MS is not fatal but conditions arising from severe MS, such as pneumonia, can be.

At the age of 40 Clint is unable to move and earlier this year lost the ability to speak. He communicates by gazing at letters on a cardboard frame to form words.

He lives in an extension at his parents’ home with carers supporting him throughout the day and his parents Terry and Shirley taking over at night.