SCHOOLBOY Jacob Isherwood and his family have been nominated for a Charity Fundraising Team award, after raising cash to send poorly kids on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Initially setting a target of £3,500, they have raised nearly double that and show no signs of stopping.

The family, of Goodyear Avenue, Wombwell, was driven to raise money after seeing the effect a trip to Florida had on Jacob.

Jacob, 11, has rare illness nephrotic syndrome, which has affected his kidneys and has seen him make frequent trips to hospital since he was a youngster.

Because of this he was invited to go to Disneyworld with charity Dreamflight to meet astronaughts, inspirational Paralympians and children just like him.

Mum Sarah said: "I can't believe we have been nominated. "I always think of it as being the big money things that are nominated. "It's such an honour. Originally our target was £3,500, but we beat that early on.  When we signed up to it I thought we would never be able to raise £3,500 and would have to make it up ourselves.

"It's a huge amount of money for one person to raise.

"I thought 'it's awful if we don't manage to send one child.'"

As Sarah points out, Dreamflight is not a well known charity, but has enabled more than 5,000 children with illnesses and disabilities to take a once in a lifetime trip. Since they began fundraising in November, the family has had help and support from local businesses, schools and individuals who have helped to host a gig, ladies nights and fundraising events, which has seen them achieve 72 per cent of their £7,000 goal.

Sarah said: "The charity isn't a very common one and when you say it to people you have to explain what it is. "I can't believe the number of people who have volunteered to help and support.

"A gentleman called Chris Scarfe helped us arrange a recent music night.  I had never met him before. He dealt with everything of us and arranged the bands and the PA. I knew what a microphone was and an amp and that was about it. I turned up at 6pm on the night but he'd been there with the bands and arranging things beforehand. He didn't get any money for it and gave up lots of his time, but he just said he loves it because it's what he does.

"It's so lovely that people are happy to help out and support. I'm optimistic we will reach our £7,000 target."

Since returning from his trip to Florida Jacob has kept in touch with the friends he made out there and has enjoyed trips to the cinema, shopping and to play laser tag.

"It's not just the trip its the run up and the after effects," said Sarah. "It's not something that these kids have in common with other children in their class or with friends at home. "They get the chance to bond with other children who see each other as kids - they don't view their illness or disability."

The family is now planning a zumba in the park event and a ladies night to be held at Sarah's home.