AN APPEAL has been launched to pay for poorly children to have a day out at Alton Towers.

Fund-raisers have already gathered £4,000 towards a family fun day at the theme park.

But they say they a further £4,500 is needed to take youngsters suffering with the extremely rare and life-threatening condition Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS).

It is believed there are only around 40 children and young adults with CCHS in the country. The condition is lifelong, has no cure and means children are dependent on ventilators from birth.

They are also susceptible to other conditions such as tumours, fainting and fits, eyesight problems, and learning and behavioural difficulties.

Patients require constant nursing care and frequent visits to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, which leads the UK in the treatment of CCHS.

The family day will enable children and their families to come together from all over the country.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can call Jeff Thompson on 07964 346 206.