THE FAMILY of a seriously ill seven-year-old is asking for help to make her wish come true.

April Losztyn has a rare genetic metabolic disorder known as Hurler Syndrome (MPS1) which affects various organs and tissues in the body.

Dad Kristian Losztyn, of Whitegate Road in Wrexham, said April will soon be needing significant surgery and they want to make her wish come true.

As part of the Make a Wish charity, the family is asking for donations so they can fulfil April's dream of starring in her own TV show.

Kristian told the Leader: "We approached Make a Wish and they came out and had a chat with us and it goes to panel decide if they support you.

"They decided they would support us and now we want to see if we can get some wider support. We want to make some memories and spend special time as a family.

The Leader:

April was diagnosed with Hurlers Syndrome at an early age

"A lot of the money goes back into the pot so to speak. There's a lot of children out there, a lot of families struggling more than we do. Most people are carers and not earning."

April needs constant supervision and has to wear a back brace every day and uses a wheelchair when ill or for long journeys.

The family wish to visit CBeebies Land Hotel and have a camera follow their time there, like in her favourite TV shows.

The crew can then make April a programme of her own family adventure, which she will be able to watch during her time in recovery to remind her of the fun she had.

Dad Kristian added: "We are constantly to and from hospital in Manchester. Every part of her body doesn't work properly so we are always doing that.

"We have four children so it's a bit of a mad house but April is so sociable and so strong.

"This is about making memories as a family.

"We would be grateful for any help that anyone gives for children in need and who unfortunately have life limiting conditions or critically ill."

The Leader has previously reported that April's brother George was a match for a bone marrow transplant and at eight years of age he jumped at the chance to save his sister.

Kristian said: "Our daughter is one of a kind. April makes it her life’s work to talk to everyone she sees. She is a bright, loving and funny child who is not defined by MPS1.

"April is due to have spinal fusion surgery. The transplant is not a cure but a way to prolong and improve her quality of life.

"She will face many challenges and sadly, a lifetime of pain management. We hope to make her life as enjoyable and as fun as possible.

"She brings so much love and joy to our lives, and the lives of everyone she meets. She deserves to have all her wishes come true."

MPS1 causes a build-up of sugars in the body which usually would have been broken down and disposed of - these then affect every part of the body, causing general deterioration.

If untreated, Hurler patients cannot grow or develop past the age of three or four and rarely survive to ten years of age.

Kristian said: ""April has shown us how to be strong and love one another in ways we never thought possible.

"It is unfortunate, but we love her for this and how she has made us all better people.

"This gift was April’s to us and only she could have achieved this. We are humbled, blessed and grateful."

Anyone wishing to donate to April's wish can do so online at https://www.make-a-wish.org.uk/wishes/wish-stories/aprils-tv-show-wish/