A NORTH Dorset couple is facing an anxious wait for a phone call which could save the life of their desperately ill baby.

Eight-month-old Dylan Murphy was diagnosed with a rare liver condition shortly after he was born.

Although he underwent a six-hour operation at seven weeks old, the procedure failed and he now needs a liver transplant to keep him alive.

Dylan's mum Kay, 29, said: "He's been assessed and is on the waiting list. All we can do wait for that call and he will be whisked up to London."

Dylan suffers from biliary artresia, which affects one in 16,000 children and only 50 cases a year are reported in the UK.

Kay and her soldier husband Tony, 33, of Kingdown Road at Blandford Camp, realised something was wrong with their little boy when he became jaundiced.

Kay told the Daily Echo: "He underwent some tests on the Friday and within a week he was having a liver biopsy at King's College Hospital in London, which revealed the condition.

"Since the operation he has been in and out of hospital.

"He has to be admitted for the slightest infection, even a high temperature.

"He is a cheeky little chap and has all the doctors and nurses running around after him. The staff are totally dedicated and we can't thank them enough."

The couple, who have two other children - Ella, aged five, and Cai, three - are keen to raise public awareness of the disease, particularly the Children's Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) which funds pioneering research, and provides education and professional, caring support to families and patients.

Kay added: "A lot of people wrongly assume that liver disease is purely related to alcohol consumption, especially in the light of George Best's problems."

One of Kay's neighbours Charley Lewis, aged five, also suffers from the condition and will eventually need a transplant although at present, she is a happy, energetic child.

Her mother, Lisa, and Kay are organising an awareness day on Charley's birthday - Friday November 4 - at Downlands Primary School at the camp.

Other events planned include an auction of promises and two Christmas raffles.

First published: October 25