A YOUNG boy's dreams of walking have been shattered . . . but his family say Christmas greetings will help to ease the blow.

Rhys Williams has been battling a life-limiting and agonising skin condition since he was born. The toll of the illness has left the 12-year-old isolated and fearing glares from strangers.

In the past few weeks his hopes of being able to walk again were lost. And now his family are appealing for the public's help to make his Christmas.

Mum Tanya explains: "He has had a bad year and has been very down in the dumps recently.

"He has been working so hard at his hydrotherapy but we noticed his toes had fused in his right foot. We rang Birmingham Children's Hospital but they said they couldn't operate and that he would not be able to walk again.

"I came up with an idea to cheer him up by asking people to send him Christmas cards because every time he receives one it puts a big smile on his face. That's something I don't see very often.

"We always tell him we love him but it's different to have someone else show they care.

"Taking him shopping is an absolute nightmare because he sees people staring at him and tells me people are looking at him funny. He feels scared, if we say we are going shopping he will cry.

"Some people do smile and he smiles back.

"It would be wonderful to show him that there are people out there that actually care."

Rhys suffers from epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a condition which causes painful skin blistering and leads to open sores.

Not only is it potentially deadly — with some sufferers dying before the age of 30 — it also means he cannot be cuddled or play outside.

His time is spent at home in Johnson Fold with mum, dad Mark, and sisters Michaela, aged 15, and Teegan, aged five, or at Sharples School.

Mrs Williams, aged 34, said: "Even at school he doesn't go out to play, he just goes into a room and sleeps.

"In summer his friends play football on the grass and he says 'I wish I could play'. It makes me feel heartbroken."

Problems have also been getting worse, for not only has he been ill but his specialised bath broke down.

It left him unable to wash properly for six weeks while it was being replaced.

Despite his parents using a saline spray to keep him clean, open wounds caused infections and the teenager was unable to move his arms and legs.

Rhys' condition and the chances of him not living past his 30's means the family want to make every day special for him.

Therefore his mum has started an appeal, with people sending their love to the young fighter through the Christmas cards.

Mrs Williams adds: "He knows what he wants for his own funeral, a 12-year-old boy shouldn't have to think about that but he does!

"You have got to live for every day. Each Christmas should be special, each birthday, each day.

"He's had a few cards through already and the smile of his face each time, it make my heart shine.

"It just shows him that there are people out there who care."

Cards can be sent to Rhys Williams at 40 Whalley Avenue, Johnson Fold, Bolton, BL1 5UD.