In May, we launched Daniel's Dream, a £5,000 campaign to raise cash to send 15-year-old Daniel George and his family on holiday to Florida.

Since then, donations from businesses and Gazette readers have flooded in to the fund – set up by family friend Jackie Ryan and husband Paul – and helped it pass its £5,000 target and reach the £13,000 mark.

Money is still pouring in, and the latest cheque for £298 has been handed over to Daniel, his mum Mary Lavery, 43, stepdad Ian, 49, brother David, 17, sister Kelsa, 11, and stepbrother Alexander, 12.

The teenager, of Mons Avenue, Hebburn, suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The family's holiday has now been booked, and they are looking forward to jetting off later this year.

Mrs Lavery said: "The fund was launched by Jackie and Paul, and the Gazette came along and offered its support.

"I just want to say a big thank you to all the Gazette's readers for raising the money. It will come in handy as extra spending money for Daniel, so we can buy mementos of the trip.

"It means a lot to us knowing people are supporting us and that people care enough to give.

"It is just amazing at how much has been raised, and it will really help to make this the holiday of a lifetime.

"Daniel is really excited, and we have marked it on the calendar. It has really boosted his spirits."

Daniel, a pupil at Bamburgh School in South Shields, added: "Thank you to everyone who has raised money."

Daniel was first diagnosed with the muscle-wasting condition at the age of two, but was still able to walk when his family went to Florida in 2004.

However, the family have been unable to enjoy a holiday since then, although they have enjoyed weekends at a respite home in Northumberland.