The community has rallied in support of a little boy fighting a rare genetic disorder which could ultimately claim his life.

Since the plight of Azenje Smith was revealed in The Royal Gazette, this newspaper has received many offers of financial assistance from the public towards his treatment.

Parents Laurie-ann Stovell and Jamal Smith say they are buoyed by the outpouring of support, and they have now set up a bank account in Azenje's name.

The account details are listed below for anyone wishing to contribute. Miss Stovell said: "We are now very hopeful about the situation, and would like to thank everybody for their support.

"People I don't even know have asked me if they can help, and it's really nice to see the community coming together like this. I am very grateful for it."

Azenje has Mitochondrial Disease, a rare disorder which attacks the brain cells, nerves, muscles and organs in the body.

Although there are different forms of the disease, it is characterised by cells being unable to burn off food and oxygen, and so generate energy.

Mr. Smith, 32, and Miss Stovell, 25, have already lost one child to Mitochondrial Disease. Na'zyje died on May 13, 2005, after losing control of his limbs and slipping into a coma. He was 21-months-old.

Then, on May 31 this year, Mr. Smith's cousin lost a two-year-old boy to the same disorder.

Four months ago Azenje first started showing symptoms of the disease. He began losing his balance and falling over, his head kept rolling onto one side and his hands began "locking up", according to Ms Stovell.

Doctors at Children's Hospital Boston have told Azenje's parents that they do not know which form of Mitochondrial Disease he has.

The 17-month-old boy now faces a painful death unless he can obtain specialist treatment, and even then he may only have a 50 percent chance of survival.

Azenje's parents say his last hope lies with the Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center at the University of California San Diego's School of Medicine, which specialises in research and treatment of the disease.

Mr. Smith, a mason from Pembroke, has told The Royal Gazette: "We're just trying to get this kid to San Diego because he could have a 50 percent chance there, but financially, we are distraught. We are broke."

Mr. Smith and Miss Stovell — who are now separated, are still recovering financially from Na'zyje's illness.

Towards the end of his life they had to spend two months in the US, while doctors at Children's Hospital Boston tried to save him.

Although some of Azenje's medical expenses are covered by BF&M Insurance, his parents still have to spend up to $400 a week on medication. The youngster has to take hundreds of pills each day, mixed up with PediaSure.

Miss Stovell said it is now looking promising that the UCSD Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center will admit Azenje, and that BF&M Insurance will cover much of his costs.

His parents however, will still have to pay for his medication and their living expenses while they are in San Diego.

Miss Stovell said yesterday: "Azenje is happy and is still playing, so he seems good in himself. Now we are just waiting to hear from San Diego and then we will be ready to go."

If anyone is interested in assisting Azenje, donations can be made into the account of 'Azenje Stovell', no. 60598 at Capital G Bank. The account is an 'and/or' account — also in the names of Laurie-ann Stovell and Jamal Smith, to manage Azenje's account in his best interests.

Any queries over donations can be made to Kelzine Butterfield, Miss Stovell's aunt and an employee of Capital G, at 331 5010.

Are you planning a fundraising event for Azenje? Contact: news@royalgazette.bm