A FAMILY from Wool is about to take part in its latest fundraising attempt to help research into a rare degenerative genetic disorder.

The Daily Echo first reported on brave Spencer Owens' Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT) when he was toddler and, now aged 11, he has to use a wheelchair to get around.

The Owens family has been tirelessly fundraising for the AT Society for years.

Now Spencer's sister, Francesca, and four of her friends are taking part in the Adidas Women's 5k Challenge at Hyde Park in London on Sunday The group, completed by Sarah Welsh, Harriet Goldsack and Fleur Loveless, all 15 and pupils at the Purbeck School, were inspired to help out after other members of the family, including mum, Jennifer, did the event last year.

Spencer's dad, Bob, who has himself run four London Marathons to raise cash, said: "This year the information came through in the post and Francesca said she would do it with some friends.

"We're very pleased, hopefully we will raise some funds because there's still no cure and no treatment."

AT slowly affects the balance, hand control and eye movement of children.

It erodes the immune system and leaves victims at a high risk of cancer.

Most suffers die by their mid-20s, but milder forms lead to a longer life span - one person affected by the disorder in the UK is in his 50s.

Only 180 people suffer from the illness in the entire country.

Bob said Spencer, a Wareham Middle School pupil, had been in the wheelchair for a year now, but the condition was not life threatening.

The AT Society funds a full-time professor at Birmingham University to look into possible cures and treatments.

Francesca said: "I wanted to do it with my friends and raise some money for the charity. They don't get much money."

If you want to sponsor the girls, call Bob on 01929 405526.

For more information, visit atsociety.org.uk.