A casino event will be held for a terminally-ill eight-year-old boy from Prenton to raise cash for a once-in-a-lifetime birthday trip to Disney.

William Magee was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when he was just two years old.

Duchenne is a terminal disorder characterised by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness.

But when the owner of Simply Events Wirral Suzanne Rippon heard about William's wishes after reading his story in the Globe, she invited William to open her Liscard Grosvenor Food Market with mayor cllr Ann McLachlan.

William's mum Kelly told the Globe: "He was excited and really nervous about meeting the mayor. It was very daunting as well as he wanted to get it right.

"It's difficult for William to keep his arm held up so he was desperately trying to keep his arm up to cut the ribbon.

"After the opening, Suzanne asked whether she could set up an event to help William complete his wish list and this was how the idea for the Casino night came about."

Under Simply Events Wirral, Suzanne then organised a casino night for William which will take place on Saturday, June 9 from 7pm at Leasowe Castle.

There will be a buffet, raffle, entertainment, a disco and a casino which has been donated by Vega fun Casino.

Kelly added: "We hope we can raise enough money to be able to help William complete his wish of going to Disneyland Paris.

"An advert popped up on television that there are superheroes at Disney at the moment but they're only there until September so the pressure is on to get it booked!

"It will be his ninth birthday in August so we want to make it really special for him.

"We're hoping we can book with a travel agent so all of William's needs can be met.

"He's been there when we've talked about it so it definitely is panic stations.

"He can't come to the casino night but he's well aware of what people are doing for him.

"It would be amazing for the people of Wirral to support a local boy.

"We've purposely kept ticket prices low.

"It would truly be amazing to grant his birthday wish as well as having the special support from the local community."

In December William travelled to Lapland to meet Father Christmas thanks to Northern Lights Children's Charity, completing one of his wishes.

He also received a meet and greet prize to see band The Script perform at the Echo Arena in February.

Heartbreakingly, it is expected that from now until he reaches 10 years-old William will no longer be able to walk and the rest of his muscles will deteriorate.

William's heart will then fail and he will lose his fight against the condition.

Kelly said: "William is struggling a bit more and is unfortunately having a few more falls but we did expect this.

"His heart is all okay though thankfully.

"He keeps getting more upset about himself, especially with his brother Charles being 18 months.

"We’re so thankful of people leaving messages for William on his page – or as he calls it his fan page – I always read the comments to him and people do not realise how uplifting this is.

“Every day we wake up in the morning and I mourn for the loss of his future but it’s great how many people support him.

“Every message and every penny has made a massive difference."

Tickets for the casino night are £25 and are available by calling 0772 4742 488 or email simplyeventswirral@gmail.com

If you can help William achieve any of his wishes get in touch through his Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/EndDuchenne/

To donate to William’s wishes visit https://www.gofundme.com/Savewilliam09