A DARWEN schoolgirl had her first birthday party since she was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition.

Kia Shaw last celebrated her birthday with a party when she turned four but has been unable to have one since due to her unpredictable health.

Yesterday the former Holy Trinity Primary School pupil was left shocked and stunned when mum Carol Halligan surprised her with an 11th birthday party and fundraiser at Highfield Working Men’s Club, Darwen.

Kia suffers from Shwach-man-Diamond syndrome, a condition that stops the immune system from working.

There are only about 50 families affected in the United Kingdom and it can be fatal.

Kia, of Starkie Street, Darwen, said: “I was in shock. It was a nice surprise. Usually I have my birthdays at home.”

Carol organised the party in under two weeks and kept it secret from her daughter, who did not suspect a thing.

She put together an elaborate story to ensure Kia would wear her prom dress to see her grandmother in Oswaldtwistle but told her they would stop off to see her father, Dean, on the way at Highfield Working Men’s Club.

Carol secured raffle prizes from Blackburn Rovers for the fundraiser while bosses at the club donated the venue free of charge and Mill Hill Football Club gave £50.

Carol said: “It couldn’t have gone any more perfect. It was brilliant.

“She knew nothing about it. I was a bit concerned she wouldn’t be well enough but she was fine on Saturday and usually I can see the signs if she is going to be il.

"She knows she will have a bone marrow transplant before she is 16 and I wanted to have some good memories from one of her birthdays for when the time comes.

“I feel like I have let her down on her birthday in the past.

"One year I took her and her friend to an animal park for her birthday but she ended up in hospital and she wouldn’t have done if I hadn’t taken her.

"I had asked her if she would have gone if she knew she would be sick and she said she would.”