PARENTS of children with a life-threatening skin condition are appealing to Midweek readers to help raise £11,000 to launch a special holiday camp in Buckinghamshire.

The camp, called the Owl Patrol, would allow many people suffering from Xeroderma Pigmentosum, a condition which means they can develop skin cancer just through venturing into the normal daylight, to have their first holiday.

The XP support group, which is behind the much-needed project, needs another £11,000 to hit their £18,000 target.

The group hopes to open the special night-time camp by February 2002 if the money can be raised

Mother-of-two Sandra Webb, from Strawberry Close, in Prestwood, set up the support group, partly because her own six-year-old son, Alex, has the condition.

She said that the camp is essential for sufferers who can sometimes find themselves prisoners in their own homes as they cannot go outside without suncreams and special protective clothing.

She added: "Some people with XP and their families have never been away from home. They have never had the chance of a holiday.

"I went to a camp in America and saw one little girl who just grew so much confidence during her time there that I thought 'we have to have a camp like that'."

She added: "If it can make that much difference to a child's life, it will help them for the rest of their lives to feel like a normal person and we would like people to help make this dream a reality."

The camp is due to be held in St Katherine's, a former convent in Frieth, near Marlow.

It will offer rooms and facilities made safe with special UV protective films on the windows and give families the chance to relax, while children can play in safe conditions and mix with other people who have the rare condition.

Mrs Webb said that they are also looking for a firm that could lend them two computers over the course of the three days the camp runs.

If you can help the dream became a reality and give a donation, call the XP Support Group on (01494) 890981