Duchenne muscular dystrophy: the facts

Little Kane Smith, four, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most severe form of the genetic disorder, last month.

Dad Martin, 31, of Holly Bank, Hemsworth, is hoping to raise enough money to take Kane, his older sister Kasey, eight, and his mum Julie Kinder to the Florida theme park before Kane’s health deteriorates.

The incurable condition means Kane will be wheelchair-bound before he reaches his teens and is only expected to live until his 20s.

Mr Smith said: “It’s heartbreaking. We haven’t explained it properly to Kane, he’s too young.

“He thinks he’s just got tired legs.

“I want to raise this money to take him on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday so we can make memories before his condition worsens.”

The Walton Primary School pupil was admitted to hospital for six days in January with a suspected viral infection in his legs.

His shocked parents then learnt a month ago it was the progressive condition which was causing his legs to swell.

His mum Julie, of Cherry Tree Road, Walton, said: “It’s absolutely devastating to be told your child has an incurable condition and there is nothing you can do.

“At the moment you wouldn’t even know he’s poorly but at some point his symptom’s will start to show which is why we want to take him to Disney World as soon as possible.”

For more information or to donate visit www.facebook.com/groups/justkane/