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Crawl cash for two causes

Crawlers and Zulus, with Natalie and Oliver Smith, back, centre right
Crawlers and Zulus, with Natalie and Oliver Smith, back, centre right

Superheroes, Disney characters and even Where’s Wally have been helping to raise money for sick tot Oliver Smith.

Around 34 costumed fundraisers, along with the Sheppey Zulus, took to the Island’s streets (and pubs) during the annual event.

It was the fourth time Naomi Jackson had organised a pub crawl in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

But this year the 22-year-old decided she also wanted to help the Oliver Smith Appeal, and will be splitting the total raised between both causes.

Two-year-old Oliver has the aggressive childhood cancer neuroblastoma and his family are trying to raise £150,000 which he will need for treatment if his condition gets worse.

Last week we reported how generous Islanders had raised £2,000 for Oliver in a fortnight. As we went to press this week, the fundraising total stood at more than £6,800.

Naomi Jackson, left, and her mother Cheryl with Natalie and Oliver Smith
Naomi Jackson, left, and her mother Cheryl with Natalie and Oliver Smith

Oliver and his mum Natalie, of Coral Road, Minster, joined Naomi and her friends and family as they started their 18-pub crawl at the Highlander in Minster on Saturday.

They raised £2,149 which will be split equally, and it means Naomi and her friends have now raised £7,379.19 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Two of the Sheppey Zulus, Scott Almond and Lee Hake, went further to raise money and had their hair shaved and dyed bright pink. Lee even had his eyebrows, moustache and beard dyed.

Naomi’s mum Cheryl, 45, said: “It was an absolutely fantastic day and everyone had fun. I want to thank everybody for their help and support.”

Other events which have helped towards the Oliver Smith Appeal include a £2,000 donation from the Ryans’ Golf Day event at Sheerness Golf Club on Friday, and St Edward’s Primary School in Sheerness raised £177 through a non-uniform day. Alan Lambkin and a group of Islanders also raised £200 on a coach trip to Austria by playing bingo and quizzes.

Natalie said she was at a wedding reception at the Ferry House Inn in Harty over the weekend and the bride and groom, Donna and John May, organised a whip-round for Oliver which collected £250.

Natalie, 28, said: “I can’t express how grateful I am. I’m still overwhelmed at the continued support.”

There are already more events organised to help raise funds for Oliver – however, one which was due to take place this weekend has had to be cancelled.

Krystal Pearce said she had been forced to cancel a football fun day at New Road playing fields in Sheerness on Sunday. It will be rearranged to take place at a later date.

Forthcoming fundraising events include:

  • On Saturday, August 13, there will be a fun day at Sheppey Sports and Social Club in Halfway. It will be from noon to5pm.
  • A Gangsters and Molls charity night has been organised at Minster Working Men’s Club for Friday, September 9, from 8pm. Everyone is invited to dress up and go along to the event which will include live music, a buffet, raffle and auction. Tickets cost £5.
  • The appeal is also set to benefit from Pepe Kaur’s Free Spirit children’s party on Sunday, September 25. It will take place atTiny Tim’s Tea Rooms in Rochester. As part of this, Pepe has managed to get Reebok to give Oliver a pair of trainers, with the promise of possible support in the future.
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