PROUD parents James and Jo Gray are holding a fundraising raffle to raise money for research into polycystic kidney disease - after their son, Isaac was diagnosed with the illness at three-months-old.

Following concerns during pregnancy Isaac spent the first week of his life in intensive care before his condition was identified.

The Ashton on Mersey couple were told that it was a hereditary illness, with a 50 per cent chance that any future children would be affected too.

Now they are doing all they can to raise funds for research into the condition.

Polycystic kidney disease , or PKD, is characterised by numerous fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys.

Mum Jo, aged 27, said Isaac, now aged six months, attends the children's hospital in Manchester every three months for tests, and is doing well.

She said: “Raising money and awareness turns a situation that could be negative into something more hopeful. The more money raised, the more research that can be done and the bigger the chance that a cure or treatment will be found.”

Over time, the cysts grow and multiply, replacing normal healthy tissue and causing the kidneys to lose their function.

PKD is at present incurable. There is no treatment that will stop the cysts developing and growing. The primary focus is on managing the symptoms. However, a number of drugs are currently being trialled around the world aimed at slowing the decline of kidney function, giving future hope of an improved quality of life for those affected.

Jo and James, of Bankfield Road, have set up a just giving page for donations, as well as a Facebook page with details of the charity raffle taking place at Ashton on Mersey Golf Club, which is close to the family home.

Visit justgiving.com/isaacs-pkdfundraiser for more details.