A charity's plan to take the families of six seriously ill children on a dream holiday to Eurodisney was today thrown into doubt.

A key sponsor has dropped out at the 11th hour leaving the group with days to find a shortfall of £1,500.

Reece Walker-Sharp is one of those invited to jump aboard the specially fitted 'Jumbulance' bus to experience the magic of the Paris theme park.

The five-year-old Dudley Hill youngster missed out on an earlier trip to Eurodisney when he was taken into hospital. He suffers from a rare heart condition which means his vessels are too small to allow his blood to flow properly and he wears a medical backpack to help with circulation.

Wheelchair-bound Matthew Rayner, nine, of St William's RC School, Girlington, is also on the trip. He suffers with a rare split brain disorder as well as muscle and bone problems.

The five-day trip - beginning a week on Friday - costs £9,000. The charity is now holding a frantic series of events to try to cover the shortfall.

Organiser Mary Appleton, of Bat I About Kidz, the local branch of the national charity Across Trust, said: "This has left us in a state of panic as to where we will be able to raise this money in such a short space of time.

"All the children are looking forward to the trip, they can't believe it is so close. The holiday is aimed at offering a break to families who would otherwise not be able to travel through conventional means.

"But the problem with Eurodisney is that you can't change the dates once they are booked."

Reece's grandfather, Brian Walker, said the youngster had leapt at his second chance to meet Mickey Mouse and friends.

"This trip will be great for Reece, he has had a rough time of it lately," he said.

"There is no way we would be able to take him abroad on our own."

Three families from Bradford, plus three others from Hull, York and Dover are due to take part in the trip.

Anyone who can help can contact Mary Appleton on (01274) 881705 or Andrea Marchant on 07701 458085.