THE parents of two young brothers who have muscular dystrophy are in a state of shock after friends and family raised over £4,000 to send the family on a dream holiday to Disneyland.
Wendy Borwick, 41, and her partner Mark Pinder, 28, said they were overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness which means the two boys and their sister Sophia, aged nine, will be able to go to America in the next 12 months.
Six-year-old Joshua Borwick and his brother Kirk Pinder, two, were born with the genetic muscle-wasting disorder, which means they are unable to run, jump and climb like other children and are likely to be confined to a wheelchair by the age of 11, with their life expectancy severely reduced by the time they reach their late teens.
Wendy, of Clarendon Street, Accrington, said: "They both fight really hard against the condition but everyday things get on top of them and they find it hard to cope.
"We worry about how long they will be able to keep walking before they become wheelchair-bound and then a part of their childhood will be gone forever.
"I think how long they've got left to live and it's heartbreaking."
The boys' aunt and uncle, Julie O'Hara, 42, and Phillip O'Hara, 46, of Woodfield Avenue, Accrington, have been spearheading the Joshua and Kirk Appeal which has raised the £4,000 through events including a bag-packing day at Asda, a fun day at Oswaldtwistle Mills and ticket sales for a dinner-dance at Accrington Golf Club this weekend.
Mrs O'Hara said: "The boys are both really fighting it. Joshua already has to use a wheelchair sometimes.
"This money will not only give them a holiday they will never forget but will also be used to buy specialist equipment which Kirk and Joshua will need in the future.
"I can imagine their little faces when they reach the gates of Disneyland. They love cartoons and friends who have been say it's fantastic."
Tickets for Saturday's dinner-dance, which includes a disco and auction, have sold out but anyone wishing to donate to the appeal can contact Mrs O'Hara on 390196.
