Wayne Hall is just like any other 22-year-old. He's a dedicated follower of his favourite football team, West Ham, loves going to the cinema and spends hours playing games on his computer.

But Wayne also has the bravery of a lion. He is suffering from a life-limiting, muscle-wasting disease but has a zest for life that could put many to shame.

Wayne is desperately waiting for Douglas House, a new home for people aged between 16 and 40 with terminal illnesses, to be built in east Oxford.

He has been a visitor to the Oxford children's hospice, Helen House, for nearly ten years. He is loved by staff and he and his family spent Millennium Eve there at a special celebration.

But much as Wayne loves Helen House and appreciates all that has been done for him there, he and his parents, Jean and John, would be the first to agree that he has grown too old for the home, which was originally designed and opened to care for children.

Wayne and his brother Ian, who suffered from the same disease until his death nearly three years ago, used to love staying at Helen House together.

Wayne has been in a wheelchair since the age of seven, which is when his condition was first identified. He deteriorated rapidly and a round of tests was done on his brothers Ian and Dean. Ian was diagnosed with the same condition, although Dean's results were negative. Within five years Ian needed a wheelchair too and he turned to Wayne for support and inspiration.

Wayne has always had a positive attitude and he showed Ian that life did not need to come to a grinding halt once you lost the use of your legs. He has continued to lead an active life despite his disability and provided Ian with the strength he needed to carry on, until his death at the age of 18.

The bond between the two brothers, who come from Kent, was unbreakable and they shared a rare closeness, which meant that when Ian died Wayne was left feeling an enormous gap.

But Wayne refused to be defeated and, though his condition has continued to deteriorate, he always makes the most of life. He has attended college and passed several GCSEs.

Wayne says: "I love Helen House, but it's getting to the stage where I feel I don't belong. "I enjoy talking to young children but I want to spend more time with people my own age.

"A lot of the children are under six and that means there's a huge difference between their needs and mine.

"All the staff are lovely and they chat when they can but it gets a bit lonely sometimes. That's why I want to see Douglas House opened as soon as possible.

"It will mean that I can talk over any anxieties or thoughts with people who are in a similar situation to me."

Douglas House will be the first of its kind to open in the country.

A campaign to raise £4m has been launched and the new home is due to open by Christmas 2001.

It will provide care, accommodation and many facilities for seven young people with terminal illnesses and their carers. John, 53, says facilities for young disabled people are extremely limited and that is why they are forced to travel 90 miles to Oxford for the support and help they need.

Jean, 52, says: "When Wayne comes to Helen House we know that he is in good hands. We believe Douglas House will be exactly the same.

"The atmosphere in Helen House is magical. It's such a special place. Of course he does not want to lose contact with Helen House and we can't praise enough what everyone has done for us here, but it's just time to move on."

To make a donation send cheques, payable to Douglas House, to: Douglas House, 110 St Mary's Road, Oxford, OX4 1QD, or donations can be made directly through the NatWest Bank, High Street, Oxford, OX1 4DD, sortcode 60-70-03, account number 84241462. To organise a fundraising event, call 01865 794749 or e-mail douglashouse@ukonline.co.uk