A ROSSENDALE youngster is to fly to Majorca for his first-ever holiday thanks to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

Seven-year-old Matthew Jaycock, who has Down’s Syndrome, was born with AVSD, otherwise known as a hole in the heart.

The Balladen Primary School pupil had to undergo an operation to close the hole at just four months old, and doctors discovered last year that he needed further surgery to reduce it again and remove a blockage.

The caring youngster, who is treated at the London children’s hospital, decided to raise money to help other poorly children, by taking part in a sponsored hugathon.

As a ‘thankyou’, the hospital chose Matthew, and his family, as one of five families to attend a star-studded charity premiere of the Pirates Adventure Show, in Majorca, on April 28.

Matthew’s mum, Caroline 46, said: “We were absolutely gobsmacked when we found out we had been selected.

“We have never had a family holiday before because we have either not had the money, or the time.

“Matthew doesn’t even really know what a holiday means. To him it just means not being at school.

“We have tried not to tell Matthew, or his sister Alex, too much about the holiday so their faces should be a picture when they see the aeroplane.”

Matthew and his family will enjoy the acrobatic show premiere, as well as getting the chance to mingle with celebrities at the event, including EastEnders stars Steve McFadden, Cheryl Fergison, and Adam Woodyatt.

Matthew, who lives with his mum, dad Gary, 53 and sister Alexandra, eight, in Derby Terrace, Rawtenstall, raised £650 for the hospital.

In total, the family will spend a week in Majorca, courtesy of Thomson Holidays.