Justin Sinclair battled a muscle-wasting disease for two years as he chased his VCE. He made it, but died not knowing his dream had come true. By Gabriella Coslovich

Justin Sinclair dared to dream.

Trapped in a body that was slowly wasting away, he refused to be crushed by the knowledge that his days were numbered.

For the past two years, Justin battled often insurmountable odds to complete his VCE.

He died on Sunday night, only hours before the State's 45,000 VCE students received their results.

He never knew his struggle had been worthwhile.

Aged 19, his heroic life was snuffed out by muscular dystrophy, an insidious muscle-wasting disease.

Yesterday, East Thornbury's Holy Spirit Church overflowed with family, friends, fellow students and teachers who gathered to honor his indomitable spirit.

At the back of the church, a small table of offerings spilled with the symbols of a life lived to the full - the VCE certificate Justin never saw, a hockey stick, a headband of his beloved Carlton football club, a scout's scarf and plaque, and a tracksuit from his disabled sports team the Warriors.

Justin started working towards his VCE at Banksia Secondary College in Heidelberg.

He took two years to complete year 12 - studying English, music, and media last year, and maths and psychology this year.

"It has been an incredible struggle for him," welfare officer Cheryl Kilsby said yesterday.

Too weak to set up his computer, pick up his books or even operate the school's elevator, Justin had to be helped almost every step of the way. During his VCE exams, he was assisted by a scribe and had to take 10-minute breaks every half-hour.

Tireless integration aide Sue Ritchie shadowed his every move.

Ms Kilsby spoke of the powerful bond that developed between the two: "She is a saint. They had a wonderful rapport. It crossed all boundaries."

Despite his disability, Justin inspired teachers and fellow students.

He played keyboards in the year-12 rock band, attend camps and encouraged disabled students at the school to take part in activities.

"He wanted to be successful not only for himself but also for his family," Ms Kilsby said. "As much as possible he wanted to be in mainstream classes."

Banksia Secondary College VCE co-ordinator Kevin O'Leary would often use Justin's example to bolster the waning enthusiasm of able-bodied students. "Everyone is just devastated, because everyone who met him was touched by him," Ms Kilsby said.

"If I was having a bad day, he would walk into the room and flick me smile and all would be forgotten. There was something very, very special about Justin."

During yesterday's funeral service, scout leader Reverend Grant Morrow paid tribute to Justin's fearless approach to life and his infectious humor.

Mr Morrow's voice trembled as he told mourners of the gentle, quiet, unassuming boy who was such an inspiration to others.

Despite being wheelchair-bound, Justin, of Thornbury East, was an intrepid traveller, a bold scout, and a hockey and balloon soccer enthusiast. He travelled Australia with the 6th Camberwell Nth Scout Group, and in 1991 celebrated his birthday in Tokyo.

During a trip to Queensland's Dreamworld, Mr Morrow had asked other scouts where the missing Justin was, only to be told he was on the rollercoaster.

Justin was only five when he was diagnosed with duchenne muscular dystrophy, a hereditary muscle disease. By age nine, he was wheelchair-bound. Sufferers do not usually live beyond their early 20s.

Justin's parents Rosalie and Robert, whose other son Nicholas, 16, also has the disease, were too distressed to speak to the Herald Sun yesterday. But friends and relatives spoke of the family's fervent dedication to their sons, and daughter Rebecca, 12.

"Rosalie was saying last night, it has not been an easy life, but given her time over, she would have him all over again," one friend said.