The family of a seriously ill toddler is trying to raise thousands of pounds to take him to Disneyland for the trip of a lifetime to meet Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Mr Potato Head.

Little Louie Bull, aged 23 months, has a rare genetic muscle wasting condition that means he has to be monitored 24 hours-a-day to make sure he is breathing properly.

Only a handful of youngsters in the UK are known to have the rare and life limiting condition, Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress (SMARD), and children with the condition do not often live beyond 13 months.

Louie will be on ventilation for the rest of his life, and has scoliosis, deformed hands and feet and doctors say he will eventually end up paralysed.

Louie's mum Natalie McDougall, of Hilary Avenue, Mitcham, said the condition is meant to plateau at the age of two, and is delighted that Louie's second birthday is fast approaching.

He will be two on March 19.

Now his parents are trying to raise money to help pay for the family to go to Disneyland, Paris, to meet the youngster's favourite characters from the Toy Story films.

Miss McDougall said: "He loves watching Monsters, Inc and Toy Story - it's one of the only things he can do for himself is watch television.

"He loves it, he smiles away and is always laughing."

The family is hoping to raise £4,000 for Miss McDougall and Louie's dad Reece Bull to take the brave youngster to Disneyland for the trip of a lifetime.

The dedicated parents were forced to give up their jobs to look after their only child.

A fundraising website has already topped the £500 mark but they still have a long way to go.

Miss McDougall said: "We really hope we will still have Louie when he's three.

"A cold could kill him.

"We want to take him away while we have the opportunity to do it."

A fundraising event on April 5 will be held at the Merton Adult Education Centre in Whatley Avenue, Wimbledon.

It will be held from 2pm to 5pm and will have face painting, afternoon tea and a raffle.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for children.

To donate to Louie's fund, visit the website.


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