A TODDLER’S Disney dream has moved a step closer to reality thanks to the big hearts of local people and organisations.

Two-year-old April Benton has attended House Martins nursery in Malton since she was a baby and she is a huge fan of Mickey Mouse and friends.

April was recently diagnosed with a rare medical condition, Bilateral Striatal Necrosis, and nursery manager Marsha Turnbull launched a fundraising drive at the end of last year to send April and her family on a dream holiday to Disneyland, Paris.

Now the Earl Fitzwilliam Charitable Trust has made a £1,000 donation – taking the total to more than £5,000.

Ms Turnbull, a commercial tenant of the Fitzwilliam Malton Estate, said: “We are delighted and very touched by this latest donation April’s holiday fund.

“Of course we shall keep fundraising so that we can continue to help April and her family.”

Fundraising efforts have included House Martins' employees Vicky Allan and Julie Twamley’s making a three-day, 140-mile cycle trek from York to Osmotherley and back.

Additional events will take place throughout the year.

Mum Sarah Benton said: “I honestly don’t know where we would be without the nursery and what they have done for April. There are only nine youngsters in the world with the same condition. We take each day as it comes.

“Marsha and the staff have gone way above and beyond what you would expect from a children’s nursery – we are very grateful to them.”

To donate to April’s fund, contact House Martins on 01653-692020.