A FAMILY is urging members of the public to support life-saving research into the incurable genetic condition which affects their daughter — by joining them at a charity ball.

Parent Sarah and Jared Griffin, of Wilby Close, Brandlesholme, set up online campaign Annabelle’s Challenge after four-year-old Annabelle was diagnosed with life-threatening Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Vascular EDS).

The youngster’s illness means she is at risk of spontaneous arterial or organ rupture — which could prove fatal — and even a slight knock could require a hospital visit.

The couple, whose online awareness campaign has almost 1,500 Facebook ‘likes’, have organised a charity ball at Bolton’s Albert Halls on October 26.

Specialists cannot predict how long Annabelle has to live, and her family hope money raised at the charity ball will fund vital research through UK charity Ehlers-Danlos Support.

Sarah said: “While we have had a great response and sold many tickets, we still have some way to go to fill the 220 seat capacity.

“Disappointingly, if more tickets do not sell we could make a loss on the event — which is soul-destroying when we are trying to raise money to one day benefit Annabelle.”

The campaign was set up after Annabelle was diagnosed with Vascular EDS in December last year, at the age of three, and hopes to raise £10,000 this year.

As well as selling the rest of their tickets, the Griffins are also eager for local businesses to help the campaign by donating auction and raffle prizes.

Tickets for the event cost £25 and include live music from BBC The Voice finalist David Julien, a drinks reception and hot buffet meal, live band and magician.

For more information or tickets: go to annabelleschallenge.co.uk and any businesses interested in making a donation can call Sarah Griffin on 07812 714744 or email sjg.griffin@btinternet.com