A four-year-old girl from Caldicot is suffering from a degenerative condition in which her body grows a second skeleton. Annalese Gosling was diagnosed with Stone Man Syndrome in February after losing the use of both shoulders last summer. Her mother, Leanne Hill, is campaigning to raise money for research into the condition, for which there is currently no cure or treatment. The Friends of Oliver Appeal is a charity currently seeking a cure for the disease. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a very rare genetic condition affecting just 850 people across the world. The unpredicatable and debilitating disease 'repairs' any damaged connective tissue – such as muscle, tendon and ligament – by replacing it with bone, meaning that long-term sufferers eventually become imprisoned inside their own skeletons. FOP progression is variable, often attacking healthy flesh. One day a person may be able to turn their head or move their arms, the next day they become frozen forever in a locked position. The disease can significantly shorten the life expectancy of sufferers. "I've known from when she was born that there was something wrong, it is almost a relief to finally have a diagnosis," said Annalese's mum, Leanne Hill. "We thought two years ago that she had cancer, as she had a lump on her spine. "She's fine though, she just copes with it. She must be in so much pain but nothing seems to bother her." Last Thursday evening (5th June), Caldicot Male Voice Choir held an open night in the choir hall to raise money for Annalese. £600 was raised towards the cause with one chorister, Ron Powell, going the extra mile with a single donation of £200. A spokesperson for the choir said: "About 50 supporters turned up and we would have liked to have seen a few more but nevertheless, Annalese endeared herself so much that many were moved to tears – they won't admit it though." A fundraising fete will also be held at Bethany Church in Caldicot on Annalese's fifth birthday on 19th July. There will be an auction of signed football merchandise, refreshments, and children's entertainment. If you would like to donate to Annalese's appeal, visit the website uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/FOPFriendsOfAnnalese