FOR most youngsters getting a trip to Disneyland for Christmas is a dream come true.

And thanks to our very generous and kind-hearted readers little Ethan Burney's dream will become a reality.

After almost a year of fundraising we can now reveal that the £15,000 needed to send Ethan, his parents and three siblings, on a once in a lifetime trip to Disney World and Universal Studios, has been raised.

Ethan, who lives in Canford Heath, is one of only around 12 children in the UK with Aarskog Syndrome and has undergone numerous operations on his feet and legs.

He is among only two sufferers of the rare condition who are losing their eyesight.

A recent eye test revealed the eight-year-old's sight is deteriorating and he will probably lose his sight completely by the age of 10.

But thanks to the generosity of our readers and all those who have supported Ethan he will now be able to go to Florida and meet Harry Potter and Mickey Mouse before he loses his sight.

Ethan's parents are telling him the wonderful news today as an early Christmas present to him.

Mum Gemma said: "We just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped Ethan over the last year.

"We have been shown some wonderful support and generosity from friends, family and complete strangers and we really appreciate it."

Unfortunately Ethan, who is a huge AFC Bournemouth fan, is stuck in a wheelchair over the festive period having recently had an operation on his feet - which are turned in as part of his condition. He is also due to have a second operation on his feet in January.

According to Gemma the family is hoping to take their Florida trip in April or May next year - giving Ethan enough time to get back on his feet.

"Everyone is so excited about going it's truly amazing what everyone has done for us," added Gemma, who has four children.

Family friend Nicky Kay launched the Florida fundraising appeal last year through a Facebook campaign known as Ethan Burney’s Wishes.

Speaking to the Echo mum-of-three Nicky said: “We launched his Facebook page last year in the hope that we can get Ethan as many visual wishes as possible before he inevitably loses his sight.

“The hope is that when that does happen he will have all these wonderful memories to look back on.

“His biggest wish is to go to the theme parks in Florida and meet Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter and we are so thrilled that we are going to be able to make that happen."

According to Nicky, Ethan has said any more money donated to the appeal should be used to make other sick children's wishes come true.