THE MOTHER and grandfather of a seriously ill boy are hoping to walk the Great Wall of China to raise money for research into his condition.

Lesley Downs, 36, and her father, Malcolm Osborne, plan to take part in the expedition in October to raise vital funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, which works with sufferers and their families and also carries out research.

And although they believe research is too late for ten-year-old Matthew, they hope to be able to help other children with the same condition.

But before they go, the pair need to raise at least £6,000.

Matthew, who lives with his family in Burley-in-Wharfedale, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - which severely limits the life expectancy of sufferers - when he was just five-years-old.

The rare muscle wasting condition is genetically inherited and affects about 100 boys born in the country every year.

Matthew, who spends most of his time in a wheelchair, also suffers from diabetes, which further complicates his condition.

Over the years, his family has raised many thousands of pounds towards making his life easier. They have bought a specially adapted car and have taken him on trips all over the world.

Mrs Downs said: "I don't usually come forward to do public campaigns, but this is such an important cause and the charity doesn't have enough funding.

"We don't want anybody to go through what Matthew has had to go through and this money could be used to find a cure or treatment."

While his mother is away, Matthew will be staying at home with his dad, 39-year-old Graham Osborne and his 18-month-old brother, Ciaran and sister, Megan, three.

Mrs Downs said: "A lot of people have said that we won't do it because I have a lot on, but we will."

Mrs Downs said she hoped local companies would donate travel insurance, equipment, train tickets to London and accommodation.

Matthew's grandad, Mr Osborne, 58, of Otley, said it was unlikely that the research would benefit Matthew, but could help children in the future.

"We want to raise as much money as we can for the charity but we know it is going to be a hard graft. They have helped my daughter a lot and it is just our way of saying thank you and at the same time helping somebody who is in our position.

"If the money that we raise might just find a cure or a hope other families would not have to go through what we are going through because it is very hard.

"To see Matthew's condition deteriorate in the last three years, it is heart breaking.

"From seeing him run around to not even being able to stand up, it is very hard."

Anyone wanting to help towards the appeal can call Malcolm Osborne on 01943 468592 or send a cheque made out to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign to 11 Caxton Road, Otley. LS21 3LL.