THE family of a five-year-old boy with a rare form of muscular dystrophy who has been told he might not live beyond his early 20s are hoping to raise £75,000 to transform their home to make his life a little easier.

Jack Cannings from Trowbridge was first diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy last year after his mum Jaime raised concerns about his development.

The condition means that Jack’s muscles will progressively weaken over the next few years, which can lead to serious medical problems, including issues with his heart and lungs.

Miss Alexander said she is trying to remain positive and hopes that the family can raise the money to adapt their home to meet Jack’s needs.

"When Jack was little he couldn't run or jump," she said.

"I was reading a story about DMD and everything sounded similar. The more I read on the more I knew he had it,” added the 39-year-old of Murray Road.

"There were things as a baby we didn't take any notice of but at three he stopped developing. People kept saying boys are lazy but six weeks later we had the diagnosis.”

Jack, who goes to Emmaus Primary in Staverton, can still walk but will soon be confined to a wheelchair. The family hope to make their entire home wheelchair friendly and the money will be put towards a two storey extension, a specialist wetroom, a large bedroom to accommodate all the hospital equipment as well as two specialist toilets, a through floor lift and a supporting beam to accommodate a hoist.

Miss Alexander, who also has two other children Brooke, nine and Lauren, 21, added: "We have been told to enjoy him in his early years because he isn't going to be able to walk soon.

"People see a bright and smiley boy but they don't see what it is to come. It is difficult for us to do everyday things.

"It has been very hard. Sometimes I feel like just sitting and crying but I've learnt you have to get up and put one foot in front of the other.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jackwantstobe