AN 11-year-old girl from Eastern Europe who suffers from a life-threatening condition wants to take holidays in Westbury but will only be able to if charity bosses can raise enough cash.

Katya Shashkova, from a poverty-stricken village in Belarus, is believed to only have a few years left to live after battling leukaemia.

Westbury-based charity Chernobyl Children In Need has broken its rules in inviting her to England because her condition is so severe.

Now charity bosses are hoping a month in Westbury will boost the 11-year-old's immune system ahead of vital treatment in Belarus later this year.

Adrian Walker, chairman of Chernobyl Children In Need said: "We sponsor 63 children suffering the effects of the massive levels of radiation poisoning after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, but we never bring them to the UK.

"We are making a special exception for Katya because of her condition.

"I have seen her deteriorate over the past two years but she still has such a beautiful smile and is always grinning."

Charity bosses are looking to raise just £500 to give Katya a month in Westbury to provide food and vitamins ahead of extensive treatment to battle against leukaemia.

If the cash can be raised Katya should arrive in March, shortly after charity bosses deliver food, clothes and supplies to her home village.

Mr Walker said: "In all probability Katya only has a few years to live. A trip to Westbury may just give her a boost, bringing her a little bit of extra immunity and give her some quality of life for a longer period of time.

"It is difficult to comprehend how difficult her life is in Belarus."

In Katya's village, near the town of Ozerichi, her parents earn just £25 per month, which is below the international poverty line.

She currently shares a bungalow with five brothers and three sisters.

Mr Walker said: "When I first went to her home her seven brothers and sisters were all huddled under a blanket next to the radiator.

"All I could see was a row of little heads and they had no socks or shoes on because they save them for school, even though their home had no carpets or wallpaper."

Chernobyl Children In Need runs regular trips to Belarus with clothes, food and gifts for children.

Volunteers are now hoping to team up with other west Wiltshire-based charities to bring Katya to Westbury.

To make a pledge, call Adrian Walker on (01373) 858584.

wtimes@newswilts.co.uk