THE mum of a toddler kept alive by a machine has hailed the "unbelievable" generosity of Dudley News readers who helped raise £10,000 - double the original appeal target.

Little Zak Macefield is just one of 17 people in the country and 150 in the world to suffer from the rare genetic disorder Kabuki Make-Up Syndrome.

The Sedgley tot's plight captured the hearts of Dudley News readers who pledged cash and held a series of events to raise funds for Zak.

Now the original £5,000 target has been smashed after an appeal for help to build a sensory room in his home was launched last December.

The current total stands at an amazing £10,300 after just five months.

Delighted mum Kerry said: "It's been amazing. It's been just unbelievable. I'm over the moon.

"Everyone who has helped I feel I have to do something for them.

"Thank you so, so much, I don't think I can ever thank you enough.

"I didn't expect us to get to £5,000 but the fundraising doesn't stop here.

"The appeal has just been brilliant.

"It's just the best thing that could have happened."

Two-year-old Zak cannot walk, talk, or stand up and is being fed by a machine but Kerry revealed his condition is improving.

She said: "He is trying to communicate more. He is now eating a little bit - chocolate mousse is his favourite."

Mum Kerry added: "Zak has developed a little personality.

"He's a lot happier now and more aware of everything.

"He's trying to walk. We hope he can sit up soon."

"I've had somany people come up to me and ask me questions about Zak. People have been very supportive.

"The money might have been raised so quickly because what Zak's got is so rare."

Appeal cash came from a variety of kindhearted sources including £3,100 from Queen Victoria Primary School in Sedgley, where pupils held a sponsored line dance last month.

A mystery £2,000 donation was handed over by a Dudley News reader.

Slimmers from Slimmers World groups in Sedgley, Lower Gornal and Dudley clubbed together to shed 77 stone and raise £1,320 for the appeal in a sponsored slim held throughout January.

Cash will be spent on a sensory room which will include soft flooring and tools such as bubble tubes to stimulate little Zak and help his development.

Additional cash raised from the appeal will be spent on a sensory garden at Zak's Bath Street home which is currently in the pipeline.

The latest fundraising event will be a jumble sale at Queen Victoria Primary School in Bilston Street, Sedgley, on Saturday April 21, between noon and 3pm.

To donate to the appeal send cheques payable to Kerry Macefield to Zak Macefield Fund', Dudley News, St John's House, St John's Road, Stourbridge, DY8 1EH.

Zak's mum Kerry is also looking for people to help her with sensory garden.

Anyone who can help with work on the garden is urged to call her on 01902 884261.