Salford fundraiser to help only female in UK with AADC deficiency disease

Hallie Alycia Campbell is 1 of 5 children in the UK to be diagnosed with AADC (Aromatic Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency), a life limiting disease that makes her unable to walk, talk and sit up and often results in muscle stiffness, muscle spasms and painful seizures.

The disease is so rare that only 130 cases are diagnosed worldwide and Hallie is one of five children to have AADC Deficiency.

No cure is available through the NHS and although having gone through numerous operations in the UK, six-year old Hallie and her family are now attempting to raise £70,000 for life changing treatment, only available in Poland.

Lucy Campbell, Hallie’s mum, spoke to me about the brain surgery they are fundraising for, she said: “The DDC gene that Hallie is deficient in, they insert that into part of the brain that controls the movement.” She continued explaining: “That then stimulates the dopamine and the serotonin that Hallie is deficient in.”

Over £50,000 has been raised so far towards Hallie’s gene therapy with more fundraisers scheduled to reach the final target.

They have previously climbed Snowdon and bag-packed at Tesco for customers. More fundraisers include Hallie’s Aunt, Tara Kenny, who will be skydiving this weekend.

The next fundraiser will be in Swinton this Saturday 19th October, Playkidds Play Centre and Wrap around School Club will be host for a family fun day that will include character and guest appearances, face painting, raffles and an auction.

Lucy, who grew up in Salford, said Playkidds Centre heard about the cause and wanted to get involved and see what they could do to help. Between them they came up with this funday, perfect for a family day out and helping together to change someone’s life.

Greg O’Neill the Director of Playkidds Play Centre said: “We are proud of being part of the community of Salford.” He explained: “Whilst we help many different charities as we can such as, Salford Food Bank, we also provide free road safety outside schools etc. This particular one struck a cord with us here as it is an opportunity to get some life changing treatment for a young six year old child.”

“We have made contact with a number of different organisations, for example, Greater Manchester Fire Service are bringing a mini fire engine. We are doing different things each hour so the first hour will have all our characters out so there will be character appearances greeting the people coming to see us.”

“The second hour we will be doing things linked to halloween so come in fancy dress! Something will be going on all throughout the day.” Greg also said: “We also have raffles on throughout the day, lots of people and Salford business’ have donated some really nice prizes.”

An auction will be held towards the end of the fundraiser in hopes of raising the final amount of money needed. Manchester football clubs and Salford Red Devils are behind some of the donated prizes to the auction.

Playkidds have said they have been very fortunate that people are supporting what they are trying to do for the cause and would appreciate any great donations that would be available to auction.

The last of the fundraisers will be held on Saturday 26th October at Haigh Hall in Wigan, Hallie’s hometown. The event will be called ‘A Night at the Races’ with a dress to impress dress-code and will include a 3 course sit down meal as well as race bettings, raffles and auctions. Let’s hope it will be a night of celebrations after reaching the £70,000 target for her needed treatment. Tickets are £40 for the night, email hopeforhallie@outlook.com to secure yours.