Following his 20th birthday, the lifelong Doctor Who lover was laid to rest in Tardis.   

Antony McCracken made it a goal to be buried in the Tardis-shaped coffin soon before his death in November.

McCracken was also known as “Little Ant” because he was born with Duchenne muscle dystrophy, an incurable progressive condition that can cause breathing difficulties and muscle degeneration.

The condition typically affects people who are in their 20s and 30s.

Antony McCracken set out his dream of being laid to rest in the Tardis-shaped coffin box shortly before he succumbed to a heart attack in late November this year

Antony McCracken envisioned his desire to be buried in the Tardis-shaped coffin container shortly before he died from a heart attack.

Mr McCracken, known as 'Little Ant', was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy - an incurable, progressive disorder that causes muscle degeneration and breathing problems

McCracken was also known as “Little Ant” because he was born with Duchenne muscle dystrophy, an incurable progressive condition that can cause breathing difficulties and muscle destruction.

Pictured: Antony McCracken as a young boy around Christmas time

Pictured: Antony McCracken, a little boy at Christmas. 

Becky McCracken (39) said her son’s prognosis was not good news. However, she noted that the 39-year-old had always maintained a smile despite it.

She shared that she was proud to say, “He loved Marvel and was a huge Dr Who fan. The colour pink was his favorite color.”

He faced all the challenges in his life with a smile.

“He said that he always felt happy even when he was very sick.

Anthony planned the ceremony and donated his kidneys to make sure two people would have a chance after his passing.

He said that his mother felt a bit warm knowing that two children will be home to celebrate Christmas with him.

Despite his prognosis, his mother Becky McCracken, 39, said the 'massive Dr Who fan' always kept a smile on his face

Becky McCracken (39) said her son’s prognosis was not good news. However, she noted that the 39-year-old father always had a smile on his faces despite being told he would die.

“It makes it feel that he has done something worth while.”

He said that he had always wanted to become an superhero.

Her mother said that Anthony needed constant care when he died in November.

She stated, “By the time Antony passed away, he could not do anything for himself.”

‘He had significant special needs. Although he had many challenges, he was able to persevere and always smiled.

His condition only got worse and never improved. Although it became more difficult for him daily to live and move around, he still made the most out of every moment.

She said that when Anthony eventually passed away on November 26, he required round the clock attention

Her mother said that Anthony needed constant attention after he passed on, November 26, 2006.

A fundraiser was set up in Little Ant's memory to help pay for his funeral, which cost £4,000, has raised more than £1,000 so far

A fundraiser was set up in Little Ant’s memory to help pay for his funeral, which cost £4,000, has raised more than £1,000 so far

His mother, father Anthony, 38, sister Sheyenne, and brothers Calvin and Cohen, who also have Duchenne muscular dystrophy, all attended the event

He was accompanied by his mother, father Anthony (38), and sister Sheyenne. His brothers Calvin and Cohen also had Duchenne muscular Dystrophy and were all present at the event.

She said, “We knew at a young age that he wouldn’t get better.”

He was just two years old when I discovered his condition. It took us a while to accept what was happening.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy: The illness with no cure  

Duchenne muscular Dystrophy, the most severe fatal genetic condition that can affect children all over the globe is Duchenne muscular disorder. 

The body stops producing dystrophin, a protein that is necessary to build muscles. The body begins to lose every muscle until it dies.  

Mutations in genes that control the structure and function of muscles can cause muscular dystrophy.

These mutations result in changes to muscle fibers which interfere with muscles’ ability of function. As a result, disability can increase over time.

There are currently no treatments for this disease, and it is certain that you will die. 

It is a condition that affects one out of 100 children in the UK. Only one percent are female.   

The majority of cases are in the womb, with little warning that the baby will be born. 

The best treatment is to take steroids and undergo physiotherapy.   

Source: NHS

“We realized that since the age 18 he lived on borrowed time. The past two years were a very significant period for us.

“But, it doesn’t make him lose any easier.

Antony’s Funeral took place in Wesham, Lancashire at Christ Church.

The event was attended by Anthony his father, Sheyenne and Calvin Cohen, both brothers with Duchenne muscular disorder.

McCracken stated that Anthony handled his imminent death well.

“Ant knew that he would die,” she said. It was a difficult situation that he handled very well. He was very patient and continued to work on it for many days.

“He would occasionally ask questions like, “Will I ever get better?” Or he might just ask, “Will i get better?” We would then have to say no.

“He was only brief in asking them, but most of the times he was happy.”

A fundraiser was set up in Little Ant’s memory to help pay for his funeral, which cost £4,000, has raised more than £1,000 so far.

His mother explained that they were not rich families and Antony’s funeral was what he wanted.

“As a family we are very sad. But in some ways I am relieved that he isn’t suffering anymore and that he’s at peace.

“Things were extremely difficult for him towards end. The end was certain. Each day, I would hate to get that call.

It was shocking that it had happened. He was clearly living on borrowed money, but we all knew it.

This condition is rare and very few people live beyond 30. We were fortunate to be able to enjoy him during this time.

“I’ve always loved Antony since the time I was 19 years old. This has not been difficult for me. It is something I know from my childhood and would not change.