The Railway Swing Band is the latest organisation to offer to raise funds to help restore a Deal toddler’s eyesight.

Money raised at the band’s annual Christmas concert at St George’s Church on Wednesday, December 14, will be split between the Freddie Penny and Kelly Turner appeals.

Two-year-old Freddie has septo-optic dysplasia. It is hoped a 14-day therapy course, costing £25,000, at the Unique Access Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, could allow him to finally see.

Teenage cancer sufferer Kelly Turner needs to raise £1 million for lifesaving surgery in America (see page 15 for more information).

Musical director David White said: “It’s nice to do something for the youngsters, especially in Deal, as that is where our band was originally formed.” They started out by rehearsing in The Railway pub in Walmer which gave it its name. Its 43 members now rehearse at BayPoint Social Club near Richborough.

They perform about three concerts a year in Deal – a spring concert in association with Deal Rotary, a summer concert at the Bandstand and a Christmas concert at St George’s Church.

They will perform Christmas songs as well as standard swing music.

A kind donation of £735 from Dean Frost of Aylesham has this week brought Freddie’s appeal total to £4,500. The cash was raised at a memorial golf day in memory of Mr Frost’s grandad at Boughton Golf Club, near Faversham, last month.

Freddie’s mum, Robyn Gough, 23, said: “I can’t thank everyone enough. Every donation counts and I’m so grateful for everyone’s support.”

Miss Gough will host an afternoon tea on Saturday, November 12, from 11am at St Finbarr’s Church in Aylesham, to help towards the appeal. She also plans to organise a blindfolded football match.

Tickets to The Railway Swing Band’s Christmas concert cost £10 and are available by calling 01304 362181 or 07973 761651.