THE family of a young boy with a rare metabolic disease have launched a huge fundraising bid to help transform his home to suit his specialist needs.

Six-year-old Harry Rolph-Wills, of Grafton Road, Dovercourt, has a rare form of Batten disease, which is found in just one or two children in the UK each year.

His illness, which was diagnosed last July, causes epilepsy, loss of sight and problems with speech and mobility.

Harry’s cousin, Anna Stephens, said: “Within the last year he has lost his mobility and he now has limited sight and speech.

“There is a shortfall of £20,000 to change the design of the downstairs of their home. They have been given grants, but it’s not enough for the whole project."

To donate to the first appeal of £4,000, go to crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Helpharry