A Dundee man who has had three strokes, a brain tumour, is unable to speak and can’t walk for more than three minutes has launched an appeal after benefits bosses declared him fit for work-related activity.

Mark Lilburn, 32, had a brain tumour at the age of two, then he had two major strokes a couple of years later and then had another stroke aged 20 — leaving him with severe physical and mental disabilities.

Mark’s parents died 20 years ago and he has been supported by care workers since.

He lives in supported accommodation in Menzieshill, is unable to communicate verbally and can only walk for up to three minutes.

Mark has been locked in a battle with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which has declared him fit for work-related activity.

He appealed the decision and lost. However, he has launched a final appeal which will be considered at a hearing on Tuesday.

If that fails, Mark will be expected to take part in work-related activity, meaning he will be expected to go to a work-focused interview and then do work-related activities that the DWP thinks will improve the chances of him working in the future.

Mark’s solicitor, Ryan Russell, of Muir Myles Laverty, said that the process has left his client “very upset and anxious” — and that preparing him for work is “simply not possible”.

He said: “The whole debacle has rumbled on for far too long. Mark is severely disabled and that is obvious to anyone who comes into contact with him. In appealing this decision we are challenging the robotic application of the scoring system.

“This is about Mark and his ability to be involved with work-related activities. Whilst Mark would love to be able to engage in such activities, it is simply not possible. It is actually detrimental to his health having this.

“Friends, carers, professionals and even MPs are all supporting Mark as they know this decision to be absurd.”

A spokeswoman for the DWP said: “Decisions are made following consideration of all the information provided by the claimant, including supporting evidence from their GP or medical professional.”