Coming together to help Lola
Published: 13:45, 09 August 2012
A campaign to raise £50,000 so a disabled girl can undergo specialist surgery which could improve her quality of life has got off to a great start.
A fun day held at Woodcoombe Sports and Social Club, Murston, on Saturday, raised more than £6,000 after hundreds of people attended.
Activities on the day included a bouncy castle, tombola, raffle, coconut shy, lucky dip and beat the goalie. Live bands also played in the evening.
The day was organised by Kellie Humphrey, 32, and Noel Stockdale, 34, in aid of their four-year-old daughter Lola.
The youngster has four-limb cerebral palsy, global development delay and cerebral vision caused by birth trauma.
Her condition means she is unable to walk, talk, speak or feed herself. She relies on a wheelchair to get around and has to wear glasses to see.
The couple, currently living in Harold Road, Sittingbourne, launched Lola’s Journey, to raise the money so the youngster can have stem cell treatment in America.
"It involves taking cells, which act as a repair system for the body, and implanting them in the brain.
The couple will cover the flight and accommodation costs themselves. The money from the weekend plus donations means they have already raised more than £7,000.
The mum of three said: “It went extremely well. We were really busy until about 4.30pm. I didn’t really see anyone though, as I was running around trying to make sure everyone was OK.
"Lola had a lovely time but she was worn out by the end of it.
“We raised £5,046 on the day plus a further £1,000 through raffle tickets. We never expected to raise that amount. I’d like to thank all those who came along on the day and the club – they were fantastic.”
The family plan to hold more fundraising events in the future such as a Halloween wine and wisdom evening and a sponsored walk.
For more pictures, see this week's Sittingbourne News Extra or Sittingbourne Messenger.
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KentOnline reporter