A DAUNTSEY mother is hoping to raise thousands of pounds to fund medical research which could cure her two-year-old daughter of a potentially deadly genetic disorder.

Becky Hazell, 33, of Dauntsey Gardens, is appealing to villagers to help raise the money to support research into Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome, an extremely rare genetic condition which can develop into leukaemia.

Mrs Hazell's daughter, Sophie, was diagnosed with the disorder a year ago. The cause of the condition is not known.

"To be told your little baby has a dreadful disease and may not live beyond childhood is a horror that can't be described," she said.

Sophie faces constant infections because of a low white blood cell count.

The condition can result in an enlarged liver, a malfunctioning pancreas, skin lesions, mouth sores, heart irregularities, poor muscle control, skeletal problems and stunted growth.

Bone-marrow failure caused by the disorder often develops into leukaemia, which can result in the death of a significant number of Shwachman-Diamond sufferers.

Mrs Hazell said although research into the syndrome was being carried out in America and Canada, funding for similar research was not available in Britain because of the rarity of the disorder.

At present, there are only 300 cases of Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome in the world.

There are known to be 24 cases in Britain.

Funding for British research is dependent on grants, and the efforts of parents and friends of syndrome sufferers.

Mrs Hazell said she is organising a charity ball at Hullavington Barracks on November 11.

She wants to raise money for the Harrison Wright Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Appeal.

The appeal is being organised by a national charity which is supporting research into the disorder, and promoting better awareness of the disease.

The appeal was set up by Kim Wright of Lincoln, whose five-year-old son, Harrison, also suffers from the disorder.

The charity is affiliated to the international Shwachman Syndrome support group.

Mrs Hazell said she was hoping to raise more than £8,000 at the black tie ball, which will include a three-course candlelight meal, two well-known jazz bands and an auction of promises.

Among the promises offered is a tour of Prince Charles' Highgrove gardens, a session in an RAF Hercules flight simulator, and golf for four at Bowood.

Mrs Hazell said money raised at the ball would help to fund proposed research at Hallamshire Hospital, near Sheffield, into the skeletal problems caused by the syndrome.

Mrs Hazell said: "I just hope I can sell enough tickets. We are relying on people's generosity."

Tickets cost £35 and are available from Mrs Hazell on (01666) 510613.