There are celebrations galore as Jack Johnson – the inspiration for Wigan-based charity Joining Jack – marks his 18th birthday.

He officially became an adult on Tuesday and gained new freedoms, including being legally able to buy alcohol and vote in elections.

It is a major milestone for Jack, who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in October 2011.

While dealing with the incurable muscle-wasting condition, Jack has been living life to the full.

placeholder image — Jack Johnson with the Wigan 10k medal

He is a student at Wigan and Leigh College, has applied to go to university and passed his theory driving test at the first attempt last year.

He is also a keen sportsman, playing power hockey with the Greenbank Bears and football with Altrincham FC.

Jack plays a key role in highlighting Duchenne muscular dystrophy and raising much-needed funds for research through Joining Jack – the charity set up by his parents, former Wigan Warriors player Andy Johnson and his wife Alex.

Last year he met health secretary Wes Streeting to talk about the challenges faced by people with Duchenne and push for a new drug givinostat to be made available to more people.

He also spoke at the British Pharmacological Society annual conference in June about his experiences with givinostat.

Jack is the official starter at Joining Jack’s flagship running events Run Wigan Festival and the Wigan 10k, which thousands of people take part in every year to raise money for the charity.

Participants hook their fingers together at the start line to form the “Joining Jack salute”, a pose which has also been seen on television thanks to high-profile rugby league supporters.

His parents posted a moving tribute to Jack on Facebook to mark his 18th birthday.

They said: “I have been dreading this day and burying my head in the sand as it approached. I have been secretly wanting to stop you turning 18.

"I have had to give myself a talking to and remind myself we are celebrating more than a birthday. We celebrate having you in our lives.

“So here goes …

“Happy 18th birthday Jack!

“Eighteen years of watching your courage, perseverance and true strength. Eighteen years of showing the world what it means to keep going, even when the path is harder than it should be for anyone.

“You have faced challenges that many will never understand, and you have met them with a resilience that inspires everyone lucky enough to know you.

“You have made dumb decisions that I could have killed you for but you have learnt from them.

“You’ve taught us patience, empathy, determination and what true bravery looks like – not the loud kind, but the steady kind that shows up every day to make us smile.

“We are endlessly proud of the person you are becoming. Your spirit, your heart, your determination and your ability to overcome adversity remind us that strength should never be measured physically but by persistence and character.

“We are so proud to be your mum and dad.

“We have been and will always be your number one fans.

“Happy 18th birthday Jack.”