Christmas appeal 2002: WHEELS FOR JACK.

Byline: JILL PALMER, Medical Correspondent

FOUR-year-old Jack Bannister is a child in two million - one of a handful who suffer Spondylo Epiphyseal Displasia congentia.

This genetic condition has restricted his growth to a maximum of three feet and left him unable to eat or breathe normally.

Yet Jack is amazingly positive and is pinning his hopes on the wheelchair he believes will help him overcome his disability. "Jack gets very frustrated," says his mother, Gill. "I push him to school, which he finds embarrassing. His favourite expression is 'hands off' because he wants to do everything for himself.

"He doesn't see himself as different to the other children, which is brilliant. And a powered wheelchair would ensure that he retains this confidence as he gets older."

Jack, who is too young to get such specialised equipment from the NHS, is hoping that Whizz-Kidz, the charity which gives wheelchairs to disabled children, will make his dream come true.

Send a donation to Whizz-Kidz, FREEPOST LON19191, SW1E 5ZY or call the hotline below.

The Gift Aid scheme allows the charity to claim 28p from the taxman for each pounds 1 donated. Taxpayers must include name, address and approval with donations.Help a child like Jack by calling Whizz-Kidz on 020 7798 6125

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BATTLER: Jack Bannister