TWO brothers with the same muscle-wasting disease have died within weeks of each other.

Mark Reynolds, 47, and renowned sculptor brother Adam, 45, from Great Missenden, were not expected to live past their teens after being diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy as babies.

However both died unexpectedly in their 40s from a heart condition associated with their illness.

Mark died on September 6, less than three weeks after burying his younger brother, and his funeral will take place today (Monday, September 19).

Adam's widow Isabelle, 45, said: "Mark gave a lovely speech about Adam at his funeral. We are a very close family and we are just rallying together at the moment."

Adam was due to perform at London's Tate Gallery on August 13, but died two days before the scheduled performance, which was titled Sisyphus.

Although Adam studied medieval European history and literature at Sussex University, where he met his wife Isabelle, art was something that he always had a passion for.

She said: "While we were all at university he started tinkering around with sculpture. First of all he was doing a lot of creative writing, but then he got more and more into sculpture."

Mark worked as a planning director for advertising agency Collette Dickinson Pearce for 20 years until 1999 when his physical disability meant he had to retire early. But he continued to work tirelessly for Muscular Dystrophy and other charities.

In 1994 Mark and his wife Jemima, attempted to visit the seven ancient wonders of the world, raising thousands of pounds for charity in the process. He leaves behind his wife, son Charles, 17, and daughter Emily, 15.

As well as his widow, Adam leaves behind Matilda, eight and Kitty, five.

The pair also leave their parents Sir Peter and Lady Ann Reynolds, 76, who live in Great Missenden.