A YOUNG boy who has suffered from a rare medical disorder all his life has been given the chance to go abroad for the first time by a charity.

Since he was baby, five-year-old Michael Gardner, of Newark Place, Fulwood, has been too ill to leave the country after being diagnosed with a very rare cell disorder known as the CD40 Ligand deficiency at just five months old.

In his short life he has been in and out of hospital including a recent life-saving bone marrow transplant at Newcastle General Hospital following an 18 month wait.

After his operation the youngster had to spend four months in hospital before he was fit enough to go home to his family in Preston.

Now he is making a full recovery and is back at his Our Lady and St Edward's Primary in Garstang Road, Preston.

Michael's mum Linda said: "It has been hard for him, but I think all children take things like this in their stride. He is very young and he has been ill all his life, so something like this comes as a nice surprise."

The holiday to the seaside port of Sorrento in Italy was given to Michael in February as part of the national Child of Achievement awards.

Now in its 20th year the awards are presented to 150 children annually who cope every day with terrible problems in their lives.

During an all-star ceremony at a top London hotel Michael received his award from celebrities including former Prime Minister John Major and television personality Bob Holness.

As an extra surprise, holiday firm Airtours has given all the winners and their family the chance to pick any destination from their current brochure for the free holiday.

Linda added: "Michael was very surprised about the holiday, and very happy about it all."