Goring and East Preston mums join forces for children

Laura Moore, from Goring, and Vicki Thorne, from East Preston, both need to renovate their homes to provide a downstairs bedroom and bathroom for their disabled children.

To help them do so, they are holding a series of fund-raising events, including a wine tasting dinner and a pamper evening.

Laura, 35, whose two-year-old son William has severe dystonic motor disorder, said: “I knew Vicki basically because we both have disabled children.

“William has a very similar condition to Iona-May’s, and it has been nice to get to know them. We just thought by getting together we could do more and hopefully help us reach our targets.”

William was born three weeks early in February, 2009, and suffered a lack of oxygen which resulted in him suffering brain damage.

This means he has mobility problems and finds it difficult to hold his neck up and use his arms.

Laura said they need to get him a downstairs bedroom because it is becoming increasingly difficult to carry him up and downstairs as he gets older and heavier. They need to raise £20,000.

Five-year-old Iona-May has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and her family want to do the same thing to their home to give her the quality of life she deserves, meaning they need to collect £30,000.

Laura, of Ashurst Close, said: “It’s quite scary, because it’s a big undertaking, but we’re quite hopeful, too.

“People have already been quite generous, so we are just trying to think of inventive ways of fund-raising so people don’t lose interest.”

The planned fund-raising events so far are:

Saturday, September 24 – pamper evening at the Keystone Centre, in Raleigh Way, Goring. There will be therapists there offering treatments including reflexology and massage, as well as small business present and craft stalls. It is from 7-10pm and tickets cost £12.50, which includes one treatment, refreshments and nibbles. Booking is recommended, although tickets will be available on the door.

Saturday, October 15 – auction at Highdown Vineyard, in Littlehampton Road, Ferring. Hosted by Ian Towning from ITV1’s The Real Deal programme, there will be a host of prizes to be bid for including pieces of jewellery from local designers and art from local artists. Ticket price is to be confirmed, but the event will run from 7-11pm.

Saturday, October 29 - spooktacular seafront walk for the whole family. Everyone taking part will be in fancy dress to walk along the seafront, route to be confirmed. Laura hopes people will bring pumpkins to light the route and she is planning some surprises along the way. The walk will end up at a venue with hot soup and drinks, apple bobbing and more activities. Cost is £5 for adults and £2.50 for children, payable on the night. Sponsorship forms are available and volunteers are needed. Likely start time is 5.30pm.

Thursday, November 10 – wine tasting dinner at Highdown Vineyard, in Littlehampton Road, Ferring. Tickets cost £18 and include the wine and food. From 7-11pm.

The pair also hope to arrange a giant fun day in May next year, although planning is still in the early stages.

To book tickets for any of the events, or to donate an auction prize, call Laura on 07515 870713, or visit www.pleasehelpustohelpwilliam.com or www.helpionamay.com