FAMILY and friends are hoping to make a “brave” seven-year-old boy’s dreams of visiting Disney World come true.

Tyler Longden was diagnosed with leukaemia aged two and was forced to go through three years of chemotherapy.

Following the successful completion of his treatment two years ago, parents Jaime and Michael had hoped to take their son to Disney World in Florida to celebrate, however, their plans were thwarted when he became ill once again.

The youngster was rushed into intensive care and later diagnosed with Epstein-Barr virus.

The condition caused damage to his facial nerves, leaving half of Tyler’s face paralysed.

After extensive tests were carried out, it was discovered that Tyler had a rare immunodeficiency that doctors said they had never seen before.

In a bid to save the youngster’s life and improve his immune system, he underwent a bone marrow transplant last year.

Tyler is now recovering at his home in Redvales, where he lives with his parents and sisters Brooke and Alexa.

After doctors gave the youngster the go-ahead to travel to Disney World at the end of July, family and friends rallied in an attempt to raise £5,500 to cover the high insurance costs of Tyler visiting the country.

To help with the fundraising, a Disney-themed family fun day is being held at Elton Fold Workmen’s Club, in Leigh Lane, on Sunday.

Mum Jaime said: “Tyler does not see himself as a poorly boy. He is so brave about everything he has gone through, I really don’t know where he gets the strength.

“We were supposed to go to Disney World at the end of his leukaemia treatment two years ago, but we have not been able to because of what has happened.

“The transplant team have said we can go at the end of July, so we are trying to raise as much as possible to help him fulfil his lifelong dream.

“It really means the world to have people supporting Tyler and words will never be enough to express this.”

The event, which is open to the public, will feature party games, face painting, a disco, bouncy castle and barbecue food. It begins at 1pm.

Tyler, who has to be tutored at home due to his illness, won the Our Little Hero award at last year’s Pride of Bury Awards.

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