Goring and East Preston reindeer food will help William

Laura Moore has started selling magic reindeer food in the run-up to the festive season, to help bolster the fund set up to raise money for her disabled two-year-old son, William.

Laura, 35, said she decided to do it after hearing about the idea from her mum, who lives in America.

She said: “It’s something they do quite often there, so I thought I would try it here.

“So far, I’ve sold about 120 bags and I’m making more as there’s been a good response so far.

“The children who have seen it have been very excited, but a lot of parents have also bought it as a surprise for their children.”

Laura and husband Kevin, of Ashurst Close, are trying to raise £20,000 to cover the cost of refurbishing their home to make it more suitable for William’s needs.

William has severe dystonic motor disorder, which makes it difficult for him to hold his neck up and use his arms.

His family would like to give him a downstairs bedroom, as they are finding it increasingly difficult to carry him up and downstairs.

The money raised from each £1.50 bag of reindeer food sold will go into William’s fund.

Within the last few months, the couple have teamed up with another family to make their fund-raising more successful.

They are working with Vicki Thorne, from East Preston, who needs to raise £30,000 to do the same kind of renovation of her home for her daughter, Iona-May, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy .

So far, the Moores have raised £8,000.

The reindeer food, which is to be sprinkled on people’s lawns on Christmas Eve, comes with special instructions, which say: “Be sure to take this magic food and sprinkle on your lawn.

“On Christmas Eve, Santa’s reindeers travel miles before the dawn.

“The smell of oats and shimmering grass will guide them on their way, and you’ll be sure to wake up with lots of gifts on Christmas day.”

Laura will be selling the reindeer food at the East Preston Christmas fair in the village hall on Saturday, from 10am to 4pm.

It will also be on sale in the Guildbourne Centre, Worthing, on Saturday, from 10am to 4pm.

It can also be purchased by calling her on 07515 870713 or visiting www.pleasehelpustohelp

william.com