A SYRIAN refugee born with a one-in-a-million condition that causes his bones to grow at an excessive rate has told how resettling in Glasgow has transformed his life.

Yaman Al-ayad was just 10-years-old when his parents took the tough decision to flee the war-torn country and seek expert medical advice that could help their son build a better future.

After being granted asylum, Yaman, who suffers from Osteochondroma, a painful illness that causes tumours to form on the cartilage causing his bones to overgrow, spent much of this childhood here in hospital, undergoing 15 operations and learning to walk again.

Yaman is loving life in GlasgowYaman is loving life in Glasgow (Image: Gordon Terris)

He exclusively told the Glasgow Times: “I remember saying goodbye to friends and family in Syria and feeling really sad because I had no idea if I would ever see them again. It wasn’t safe for my parents to stay there but they knew I needed specialist, expert, care.

“Arriving in a new country was a surreal experience. I had to learn a new language, but I was determined to do everything I could to help my family settle into a new life. I remember spending so much time in hospital and not really understanding what was going on, so I knew I had to improve my education and soon got to grips with the language and what lay ahead.

“I was just so grateful to receive the expert care I needed and the doctors here were amazing. I felt incredibly fortunate and that’s when I decided that I wanted to give something back to help those who were there for me during such a difficult time.”

Yaman, 24, is now studying to become a pharmacist and credits the wonderful support he’s received from the community around his home in Cambuslang with helping him build such a successful new life.

Despite living in constant pain due to his illness, he volunteers to help others struggling to adapt in a new country. He admits it wasn’t easy for him or his parents to adjust, especially having to leave behind much-loved family and friends when they made their move in 2016.

He explains: “The people of Glasgow have been, and continue to be, incredible and so welcoming, I’m proud to call this city my home. I’ve also found it to be very inclusive and Glaswegians have embraced us with open arms, which really helped my parents cope during a time of so much change. We obviously miss our relatives, but over time we have been able to create a support network and make new friends here.

“After being granted British citizenship, I’m now very proud to call myself an adopted Glaswegian."

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Yaman says he feels it is important to speak out to highlight the positive experiences he has gone through while resettling.

He added: “I’ll always be grateful for the help we received and want people to know how good it has been. I know that is not the same for every person seeking asylum, there’s so many challenges to overcome, but with the right help, it can be a wonderful thing.

“Training to be a pharmacist is my way of giving something back to the people who have been there for me. I’ve overcome a lot with my own health, but I love my life here in Glasgow. I’ve got fantastic people around me and feel very fortunate.”

Yaman has loved moving to Glasgow: Image Gordon TerrisYaman has loved moving to Glasgow: (Image Gordon Terris)

In his spare time Yaman also helps other families adjust to settling in Scotland, assisting with English lessons and advice on health care.

He added: “It’s about helping people rebuild their lives with dignity and respect. It’s not easy coming to a new place, even things like getting a medical appointment can be very difficult and overwhelming.

“All of a sudden you are in different world, and you have to learn to adapt quickly, but the people of Glasgow are lovely and so very kind - there is no place I would rather be now."