THE family of a schoolgirl with a rare, incurable condition are appealing for help to make her birthday wish come true.

Kia Shaw needs an operation to insert metal plates into both of her bowing legs – a complication of Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS), which stops the immune system working.

Last year, Kia spent her 12th birthday in isolation at Manchester Children’s Hospital, after undergoing a life-saving bone marrow transplant.

Now mum Carol, of Starkie Street, Darwen, is desperate to ensure Kia can celebrate her 13th on August 10 in style.

Carol said: “She's already gone through a heck of a lot.

“I’m not sure how long I can carry on laughing and smiling through my gritted teeth, but we try to remain positive.

“Kia once again seems okay about it all, but has requested that she gets her 13th birthday before the operation, as she spent her 12th birthday alone in isolation.

"We didn’t even get chance to light the candles on her cake incase we set off the sprinklers in the hospital.

“She has asked for a 13th birthday party with a DJ and a chocolate fountain, to spend some time with friends before this operation has to happen, so I am hoping that someone can offer the use of a room and equipment.”

It’s not the only event Carol has planned this year.

She is also keen to mark the first anniversary of Kia’s transplant on Saturday by holding a donor drive for the Anthony Nolan register.

Carol said: “I want to give something back and to help remove the stigma around bone marrow donations, which is just like giving blood these days.

"I need to find a large room where lots of people can attend and have quick saliva swabs taken.”

To help with the party or the donor drive, call Carol on 07837 878065.