THE parents of a young boy with a rare condition, which affects just 200 children across the country, have embarked on a fundraising venture to get him to America to swim with dolphins.

Jan and John Ellis, from Old Hall, are half-way towards collecting the £4,000 needed to pay for the trip for their eight-year-old son, Matthew, who has Angelman's Syndrome.

Matthew's brain does not send messages to the rest of his body properly, and he suffers from fits and needs round-the-clock care.

The family have already travelled to Florida once before so that Matthew could have the chance to swim with dolphins, and following the trip he said his first word.

Jan said: "There is a centre in Florida that runs therapy training. They work on a reward basis, whereby if Matthew achieves something he can swim with dolphins, and so it helps him to make progress.

"Last time there was a dolphin who was a bit cheeky and seemed to be able to read Matthew's temperament. Matthew loved them. It is the best experience I can say we have ever provided for him."

A variety of fundraising events, including a 70s night, plus generous donations, mean that Jan and John already have £2,000 in the bag to pay for the trip.

The next fundraiser planned to boost the kitty is a clairvoyants' evening, which takes place at The Ferry Tavern in Penketh on Wednesday, September 25.

Entry is by ticket only, and they are available by calling 415498 or e-mailing john@ellisjm.fsnet.co.uk