A disabled girl who suffers from a rare muscle wasting disease is looking forward to her first holiday.

Andrea Wood, six, from Tiptree Close in Leigh, has never been able to go away because she requires round the clock specialist care.

Loving touch - Pauline Wood tends to Andrea at their home Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

However, her mum, Pauline, 40, is planning the holiday to Butlins in Bognor Regis for the summer after her daughter has shown progressive improvement.

She said: "I am appealing to local charities to help me raise the money to give her this wonderful experience.

"I also need a mini bus to get her there because she requires so much equipment. I need to take at least three nurses."

Andrea, who suffers from a rare strain of muscular distrophy, attends Lancaster School in Southend.

Anyone who is interested in donating funds or a mini bus for Andrea's summer holiday should call 01279 329190.

Published Wednesday, May 21, 2003

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