HERE FOR YOU, BRUCE!

The ailing actor's blended families joined forces to shower him with love and light on his birthday

- NICI DE WET

HE IS pure love and he is so loved. These were the moving words his wife shared when he celebrated his 68th birthday - and the hearts of fans around the world broke just a little bit more.

Bruce Willis, once one of the most gung-ho action men in Hollywood, is a shadow of his former self- frail, a little shaky and missing a front tooth.

But if there's one comfort amid all the sadness, it's the fact he has his big, blended family by his side, watching over him and celebrating every milestone.

They all gathered around him when he blew out the candles on his cake recently, singing Happy Birthday at the top of their voices while a grinning Bruce danced along.

His family were the ones to break the tragic news of his condition just over a year ago, first announcing he had aphasia (a language disorder usually brought on by a stroke or brain injury), then in February revealing he'd been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

The disease, which affects the nerves in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, results in sudden personality changes, memory loss, speech issues and trouble walking.

"While this is painful, it's a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis," they said in a statement. “Our family wants to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce's original diagnosis."

Emma Heming Willis (44), Bruce's wife of 14 years and mom of his daughters Mabel (11) and Evelyn (8), remains his daily rock. "Not a day goes by that Bruce doesn't tell her how lucky he feels to have her in his life," a family insider says.

The Die Hard star is also being supported by ex-wife Demi Moore (60), who he's remained close to since their divorce in 2000, and their daughters, Rumer (34), Scout (31) and Tallulah (29).