THE family of a six-year-old girl who has a very rare genetic disorder has launched an appeal in the hope she receives potentially life-changing treatment.

Hallie Campbell, who lives in Hindley, was diagnosed with AADC (Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase) deficiency at the age of six months.

The disorder, which has been described as a form of Parkinson's disease for children, affects the way signals are passed between certain cells in the nervous system.

There are only around 130 children in the world that have AADC deficiency.

Despite facing a daily battle with the disorder and having numerous operations in her short life, Hallie regularly wears a beaming smile.

Leigh Journal:

Her dad Andy Hill, 32, said: "Every day is like a massive fight for Hallie, she is a tough little child.

"It is like she is locked in her own body.

"Hallie cannot walk or talk, has seizures every day and her muscles tighten up a lot which causes her pain for hours.

"She has to get fed through a tube in her stomach as well.

"As Hallie is getting older she has been asking why she cannot do things that other children are doing."

Hallie has eight medicines three times a day, which is similar treatment to what people with Parkinson's disease receive.

She is due to fly to Poland in October to have a form of gene therapy treatment that is not available on the NHS.

It is estimated the cost of the treatment and travel arrangements for her family would cost around £70,000.

Leigh Journal:

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Andy added: "It would be completely life-changing if Hallie had the treatment.

"It has been successful so far and children have been learning how to walk, talk and been able to play with toys.

"Most of them have had the medicine that they take reduced as well.

"Hopefully it will be able to make a massive improvement to Hallie."

Members of Hallie's family have been organising activities to generate funds to help pay for the treatment.

A crowdfunding page has been set up in aid of Hallie's gene therapy. To donate to it click here.