A KIDDERMINSTER author has launched a fundraiser to support a charity’s bid to find a cure for a rare disease that his granddaughter suffers from.

Nigel Gilbert is giving away copies of his books “History of Kidderminster” and “Harveys Kidderminster Cream” in return for donations to go towards research for a cure for Rett Syndrome.

The historian’s four-year-old granddaughter Daisy suffers from the neurological disorder that affects the way the brain develops, causing a progressive inability to use muscles for eye and body movements and speech.

Mr Gilbert held a stall at the Swan Centre on Saturday (August 11), collecting over £100 and plans to do the same over the coming months, including this Saturday (August 18) from 10.30am.

Proceeds will be donated to the UK-based Reverse Rett, run by parents of girls with the condition, which funds projects working towards a cure.

Mr Gilbert said: “Our little granddaughter Daisy suffers from Rett Syndrome.

"We had never heard of it. It is a very serious condition affecting girls. Most never walk and never talk. It is caused by a faulty gene.

"There is real hope for a cure. The condition has been reversed in mice and trials will take place later this year in America to test the potential for gene therapy with girls."

He added: “I sold a lot of these books when they were published. The remaining stocks will all be used to raise money for this charity. I am very grateful to the managers Helen and Roz for giving us the facility to do this."