A TEENAGER battling leukaemia has a heartfelt wish for Christmas -- to spend it at home with his family.

Daniel Berry, aged 17, was diagnosed with a rare form of the disease in August.

He is currently undergoing his third session of chemotherapy at Hope Hospital in Salford after his first two sessions failed. His heartbroken parents, Gary and Elaine Berry are now praying he will be allowed home for Christmas.

His family, of Crosby Grove, Atherton, face an agonising wait to discover if Daniel has responded to the treatment. If not they hope to travel to Texas for experimental treatment in what could be his only hope of survival.

Mrs Berry, who is working tirelessly to organise fund-raising events for the possible trip said unless Daniel is allowed home, Christmas will be postponed.

She said: "Staff at the hospital said they cannot promise Daniel will be allowed home for Christmas. We are very upset about it and are just keeping our fingers crossed that he won't have to spend it in hospital."

Daniel's older brother, Mark has just turned 21 but all celebrations have been put on hold until Daniel goes home.

Mrs Berry is determined he will not miss out and said the same goes for Christmas -- all parties and events will wait until he is there to enjoy them.

Manchester United fan Daniel had just left Hesketh Fletcher High with seven GCSEs and was applying for an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering when he started to feel ill.

The family were devastated when blood tests revealed he has leukaemia and they were dealt a further blow when Daniel's disease failed to respond to treatment.

So far, Mrs Berry said the response from the public has been fantastic and lots of fund-raising events are in the pipeline.

Tomorrow there will be sponsored swim at Howe Bridge Sports Centre in Atherton at 12.45pm.

Over the weekend there will be a collection and raffle at Tesco, Atherton, from 10am onwards while on Sunday, Hesketh Fletcher pupils will be bag packing at Asda in Leigh for donations from 10am.

If you can help to raise funds for Daniel phone Mr Berry on 01942 873744 or 07780 836151 or write to PO Box 33, Manchester, M46 9YX. Mrs Berry can be e-mailed at elaine.berry@btinternet.com.

Donations can be made to the Daniel Berry Fund at The Royal Bank Of Scotland in Market Street, Atherton, account number 10069480, sort code 16 12 19.