A little boy who cannot walk or talk has set off for a potentially life-changing trip to America.

Jack Christmas, 8, is one of just 171 children in the world to have been diagnosed with Mowat Wilson Syndrome, caused by a gene deficiency or mutation, which also causes dangerous seizures.

He and his family have been overwhelmed with donations to help them raise nearly 20,000 so he can be one of five people to contribute to vital research, and at 11.15am on Tuesday flew from Heathrow to Washington DC to take part.

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Speaking before they left for London on Monday, mum Dawn, 43, said: I am nervous, more about the flight than anything else.

I believe its a nine hour flight and Jack had three seizures last Monday and two on the Tuesday, and Im just worried about what might happen when were in the air. They are aware of jack but theres a lot of what if.

Were travelling down to London on Monday because the flight is at 11.15am, and Jack couldnt do the whole journey from Hull in one go.

Tony is very excited, its something he researched and it could make a big difference to Jacks life. Im just worried, as you might expect, its just the unknown.

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Little Jack, whos mum will be posting updates on Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/lifeforakid2008, will celebrate his ninth birthday on July 9 while undergoing the research in the next three weeks.

Meanwhile, Mrs Christmas, who lives with her family in Gainford Grove, east Hull, will also celebrate her birthday on the first day of his treatment on Thursday.

She said: Its my birthday on the day we first go into The Childrens National Hospital, and Jack will be nine while were out there.

Im planning on taking pictures and keeping everyone updated while were over there.

Mrs Christmas said all the money donated to his cause has gone towards taking part in the research, with the family footing the cost of flights with what they would spend on a holiday.

However, the budget has not stretched to cover any unforeseen costs, such as an extra night in the hospital or further, last minute treatment.

So, they are planning more fundraisers to help support Jacks treatment for when they return next month.

Mrs Christmas said: We had the Ladies Ball recently which was just a fantastic night. Weve still got to count up what we got from the auction but at the moment its at the 1183 mark.

Its just been overwhelming the number of people, total strangers, who have donated to help Jack.

The treatment itself was 20,000, and because we requested an MRI that was another 8,300. There could also be other costs, too. We will be holding other fundraisers as well.

I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped us, and to Dean Haggard, who let us use Life for a Kid to help raise the money. Without him we wouldnt have been able to have a charity number and do the fundraising we have.

To donate to Jacks fund, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/tonychristmas.

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Hull boy Jack Christmas, 8, flies to America for vital stem cell research - Hull Daily Mail