A GWENT mother is hoping to set up an appeal to raise money for research into her son's muscle wasting disease.

Maureen Smith, 51, of Pantside, Newbridge, and husband, Paul, 53, became long-term foster parents and officially adopted six-year-old Lee in August last year.

Lee suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which means that by about the age of 12 he will almost certainly have to use a wheelchair.

Mrs Smith said: "Because of his condition Lewis's life span is shorter. He could die when he is in his twenties."

The most important thing to Lee's family is to make sure he lives life to the full and to raise money for research into the disease.

"Lee loves school, playing, swimming and is a happy, loving, boisterous little boy like any other six-year-old," said Mrs Smith. "I would love to set up an appeal in Gwent to raise money for children suffering with this disease."

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is one of a group of genetic, degenerative diseases. It causes weakness and muscle wasting.

You can send donations to the Race Against Time muscular dystrophy campaign based in London.

Call 0207 720 8055 or visit www.muscular-dystrophy.org or write to Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, 7-11 Prescott Place, London SW4 6BS.