A VILLAGE is rallying round a family with two children suffering from the same rare condition.

The Gorringe family from Wilsden has already raised nearly £12,000 for Martin House Children’s Hospice at Boston Spa and another event planned at the local pub on Saturday looks set to make it even more.

Dad Luke Gorringe, 31, said he has been overwhelmed by people’s generosity. His daughter Dollie, who is now one, was the first to be diagnosed with Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome (AGS), a genetic brain disease with no cure.

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Her brother Leighton, five, who had been given a temporary diagnosis of cerebral palsy two years earlier was then found to have a mild form of AGS.

Local businesses have been inundating organisers with prizes for raffles and lots for an auction that will be a part of the fun day at The Villager pub on Saturday, October 22.

Family friend Chris Moralee, who is one of the organisers, said around 20 businesses had given their support so far including Arsenal football club which had sent signed team photos and pictures of players.

Mr Gorringe, 31, decided to start raising money for the hospice after visiting it in February. “We’re doing this to repay the hospice for what they are doing for us. They are incredible. It’s all self-funded. It’s families like us and those supporting us who keep it going," he said.

Martin House cares for children and young people with life-shortening conditions, and their families.

“Dollie has had an operation to replace the nose tube that was feeding her. It goes direct to her stomach and she’s getting on well with that. She’s such a happy little girl. She smiles whenever she hears our voices," Mr Gorringe said.

Leighton has just started at Wilsden Primary School where he is settling down well.

“We’ve had our ups and downs but things have levelled out for us these past few months. Getting such great support from everyone for us and for Martin House means lots," his father said.

AGS affects newborn infants and usually results in severe mental and physical handicap. There are two forms of the syndrome. Early-onset, which is severe, and late-onset, which has less impact upon neurological function.

Visit justgiving.com/Martin-House-Dollie-Gorringe to help.

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