Chippenham teenager Adam Button had the birthday shock of his life – when he was ‘recruited’ into the Royal Navy.

Adam, who turned 19 on Sunday, suffers from a very rare neuro muscular disorder and has spent nine months at the Royal United Hospital in Bath where he is in intensive care.

He has a passion for the military, so his parents Eddy and Trish and one of his nurses, arranged the surprise.

Critical care nurse Debbie White’s son, Jay Wilkinson, who is a submarine engineer, visited Mr Button in hospital to deliver presents and make him an honorary sailor.

Mrs Button, of Littledown, said: “Adam has always liked anything to do with the military, whether it’s the army or the navy. It was a huge surprise for him and he was absolutely over the moon.”

Mr Button, a former Frogwell School pupil, was presented with gifts from HMS Tireless, including a beret and a certificate inviting him to become an honorary rating.

Mrs Button added: “When he saw Jay come in wearing his uniform, his face lit up and he was overwhelmed.

“We are hoping he will be able to come home in September but we were able to take him out on his birthday and we had a big party in John Coles park with about 60 friends, family and nurses.”

In June, Mr Button was presented with a signed cap from his hero and namesake, Formula One Championship leader Jenson Button, after junior sister Hilary Wheeler contacted the Brawn GP team.

Adam was diagnosed with Marinsco-Sjrogen syndrome in 1995. His father recently left his job at Wavin Plastics in Chippenham to help his wife care for Adam.

He said: “It took five years to get a proper diagnosis for Adam and we were told at the time that only about 85 people worldwide had been diagnosed with the same illness and only five cases had been diagnosed in this country.

“He has coped so well, he’s a happy boy and he is so upbeat.”

He added: “Adam has led a global life, he’s been everywhere. His favourite place was Florida. He’s also been to Lapland, Cyprus, Portugal and he’s been diving in Egypt.

“He’s never complained and he’s just got on with his life.”