Celebs' donations aid charity night; LOWES' SYNDROME SUFFERER ORGANISES FUNDRAISER.

Byline: NEIL MCKAY

PLUCKY Paul James is battling a genetic condition to live a full and active life.

Paul, 26, is an excellent cook, a dab-hand on the computer and a member of the County Durham Learning Disability Parliament.

Now he has enlisted the help of his hero Gordon Ramsay to organise a charity race night in aid of Lowe's Syndrome, the rare condition from which he suffers.

Paul, who lives with mum Wendy, 63, and dad Arnie, 65, in Egglestone Drive, Templetown, Consett, wrote to a number of celebrities, including Ramsay and singer Mick Hucknall, for prizes to donate for a raffle at the event, at Consett Golf Club, on Saturday, June 6.

Celebrity chef Ramsay sent him a signed copy of his book to auction and Simply Red star Hucknall sent a signed CD.

Paul, who has e-mailed dozens of businesses asking for prizes, has also received theatre tickets, a restaurant voucher from La Toscana in Newcastle and tickets for Sunderland dogs.

Lowe's only affects males and is diagnosed at birth.

The syndrome affects the kidneys, eyes and the brain, in the form of learning disabilities.

Life expectancy of sufferers is usually short.

Paul added: "I have been told I manage very well compared to other people with this syndrome.

"I have decided that I would like to help raise money for The Lowe Syndrome Trust, based in London.

"It's a charity which gets no Government funding, so the charity has to manage on those wishing to donate.

"Any money that the charity gets goes in to medical research for Lowe's.

"The charity was set up by Lorraine and Andrew Thomas in 2000, as their son Oscar was born with the syndrome." Mum Wendy said: "Paul has done all the work himself to arrange this charity night, although he has been helped considerably by Simon Peacock, his assistant sponsored by the Independent Living Fund.

"He attends a day centre three times a week and he has put a lot of work into organising this charity night." Tickets for the evening cost pounds 3 and include horse racing, a raffle, pie and peas, available from Consett Golf Club..