A CREEKMOOR mum has moved closer to her dream – helping provide a service dog for her little son, who suffers from a rare genetic condition.

Thanks to big-hearted Poole firefighters, Holly Seymour is now £260 nearer her target of raising £4,000 to help Malachi who is four and suffers with Mitochondrial DNA Depletion, which has left him using a wheelchair.

The firefighters organised a charity car-wash to support Malachi, whose genetic condition leaves him without the necessary energy to maintain the health of his heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and brain.

“This can eventually lead to organ failure and he is already very floppy and weak,” said Holly, who lives with Malachi’s step-dad, Daniel Pain, and their five children in Millfield on Creekmoor.

Malachi’s condition means he must spend around three days a week in hospital for blood tests and seeing neurologists, cardiologists and physiotherapists and he also has a language delay meaning, said Holly, that it has been difficult for him to make friends.

“We believe a service dog not only will it be a great friend for him, it will also keep him safe and as his disease progresses it will be trained to help him in his daily life,” she said.

The family also needs a swivel car set as Malachi finds it hard to get out of the car when he travels around.

They approached Poole fire service who gladly agreed to hold the charity car wash on Sunday, giving up their own time to raise the cash and give Malachi the chance to sit in a fire engine.

“We are so grateful for all the firemen that took part to help make this happen,” said Holly.

She has now opened up a fundraising page ‘Mighty Malachi’s Mitochondrial Fund and has so far raised £371.

*If you’d like to help contact gofundme.com/5jg9ork