AN APPEAL has been launched for £12,000 to fund a once-in-a-lifetime Disney World trip for a deserving family in Barry.

Victoria Jones, mum of 12-year-old Alex, who has Down’s syndrome and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, is appealing for people to support the charity that wants to treat her family to a dream holiday to Disney World, in Florida, in December 2018.

Alex has suffered with multiple issues from birth and was later found to have a hole in his heart which required emergency surgery.

He got the all clear from leukaemia, but relapsed three years later.

He became ill and was rushed to hospital where he ended up on life support.

Alex’s brother Ryan, 13, and Bethan, eight, were told to say their goodbyes to Alex.

Alex, a pupil at Ysgol Y Deri, in Penarth, survived, but he is still under hospital care with various complications.

To get some much-needed respite from his condition his mother, Mrs Jones applied for a place for Alex, on Caudwell Children’s annual Destination Dreams holiday to Disney World.

Caudwell Children is a national charity that provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families.

Mrs Jones, 36, said: “I was delighted to learn that we have been selected for the dream trip, I simply couldn’t believe it.

“The families are really well looked after as the charity provide a dedicated team of paediatric doctors and nurses who are available 24/7. They also take along over 40 volunteers to assist families around the theme parks.

“The charity has to pay, on average, £12,000 per family.

“With the current economic climate there’s always the risk that they won’t be able to raise enough money by the time the holiday comes around.”

She added: “It would be a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time together, as Ryan and Bethan have had to be separated and stay with other family members during all of this, so this is a chance for us to experience some normality at last.”

The trip to Disney World would be most appreciated by the family, as any time together to create magical moments would be a dream come true.

Alex’s father, Gareth, 37, added: “We have been through so much as a family, we do not know what the future holds but to be given the opportunity to have a family holiday is very special.

“I hope the public support our fundraising campaign, we desperately need the money to get on the plane to Florida.”

To support, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/holiday4alex