The family of a little boy with a rare medical condition are organising a charity ball.

Earlier this year, five-year-old Emilio Saavedra was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, or NF1, a condition affecting nerve tissue.

Emilio’s parents Mel and Jose, of Fallow Drive, Eaton Socon, have been raising money for the Neuro Foundation, which helps people affected by the disorder.

Their next fundraiser will be the Butterfly Kisses Charity Ball, named after the act of using your eyelashes to affectionately tickle a loved one. “It’s something Emilio does,” Mrs Saavedra said. “I hadn’t heard of it but a friend showed Emilio. Now at bedtime he says ‘Mummy, do a butterfly kiss’.”

The ball promises to be a glamourous event, with a three-course meal, followed by live music provided by Ignition, who last performed in St Neots at the Summer Festival and Charity Dragon Boat Race at the end of August.

There will also be a raffle and an auction, with lots including holidays and Formula 1 memorabilia.

“I thought most of my friends are mums with young kids and they don’t get to go on many nights out,” said Mrs Saavedra.

“So we thought we’d put on a really nice evening, keep it local so people can walk or get a taxi and it’s a chance to dress up, which we don’t normally do.”

The ball will be held at the Priory Centre, St Neots, from 7pm on Saturday, April 26. Dinner will be served at 7.30pm, carriages at 1am.

INFORMATION: Tickets are £50 per person. To book, call Melanie on 07932 154240, email butterflykissesball@gmail.com or go to www.facebook.com/ButterflyKissesCharityBall