Six year old Maddison Biddlecombe is on a mission. When her and her mother Janey's foal was born on May 12, he was found to be suffering from the rare wry nose syndrome, which affects long-faced animals and distorts their appearance: Diego has a bent nose and undershot jaw.

Janey was advised by her vet to put Diego down, but she and Maddison ignored the advice, and instead hope to raise the £4000 needed for an operation to aleviate the condition. They insist that his unusual looks should not condemn him.

She said: 'I asked for help and advice but some people have been unkind and told me to put him to sleep. Maybe it's an easy way out but not for me. I don't agree with putting him to sleep just because he looks different. It was a struggle the day after he was born but he's come on leaps and bounds and is doing fantastically."

She reported that the RSPCA were happy with Diego but accepted that the colt could have problems when he starts grazing. She said she hoped any difficulties could be cured by surgery and the family would be devastated if they had to have him put down: "We would be heartbroken but we will do all we can for him and let him know he was loved and cuddled and kissed."

The family hopes to find somebody with knowledge of the condition in a bid to help the foal. Janey, said: “Some people say give him a chance but others say he should be put down just because of the way he looks. But he is doing incredibly well.” After initial difficulties he has learnt to suckle from his mother and is happy, healthy and growing well.

Diego and Maddison have formed an inseparable bond. The schoolgirl, said: “I don’t think he is ugly at all. I love him. Diego is my best friend and I don't care what he looks like, to me his face makes him special.”

But the family from Poole accepts that the colt could have problems eating grass and, if that is the case, they will have to take action. “He is real fighter but even if we do lose him, at least he knows he was loved, cuddled and kissed,” said Janey.

"Maddison adores Diego and has formed a great bond with him. They have even been found cuddled up together asleep in the field in the sun. He certainly knows he's loved."

If you can help and have any experience of the condition, or to make a donation, please call Janey on 07817 772070.