A mum is overwhelmed with the community’s generosity in helping her reach the halfway point in a campaign to give her son the gift of sight.

Blind toddler Freddie Penny’s mum Robyn Gough launched the appeal to raise £25,000 last October.

It’s for life-changing stem cell treatment at the Unique Access hospital in Bangkok, Thailand.

Kind donations and the power of the community has since seen more than £12,500 pour in.

Miss Gough said: “I’m pleased to announce that we have reached the halfway point!

“The support I’ve received, even from strangers, has been extremely overwhelming but especially from my friends and my entire family.

“To everyone who has donated to Freddie so far, thank you all so much. You have all been so kind and generous. Every donation matters and is very much appreciated.

“With your help we are able to give Freddie the chance to be able to see.”

Fundraising events for the Deal tot have so far included a family fun day at The Farrier in Deal, a Christmas concert by The Railway Swing Band, an afternoon tea, a blindfolded football match, a memorial golf day at Boughton Golf Club organised by Dean Frost of Aylesham, a donation from Margaret Philpott, 89, funds from Deal Community Christmas Fair, a Deal Lioness quiz night and a Halloween party organised by Run Ashore dining club.

Most recently, Deal Ice Breakers pledged registration fees and sponsorship from 2016’s Boxing Day Dip to Freddie’s appeal. The final figure is not yet known but organiser Margaret Edwards hopes it will be at least £2,000.

Miss Gough added: “A huge thank you to everyone who took part in the Boxing Day dip too.

“You were all brilliant and so brave. It really was a fantastic turn out. Thank you to all those who kindly sponsored and donated to Freddie too, I really am so grateful for all your support.”

To find out how to drop off your Boxing Day Dip sponsorship money, contact Margaret Edwards on 07836 669079.