£20,000 plea to save dying child

Corrine Gardner, organiser of the Tree of Hope charity is appealing for donations to get the child girl new treatment in America.

Little Charlie Jarvis has been diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of child cancer.

She was recently sent home by consultants from Great Ormond Street Hospital because there was nothing more they could do.

But Charlie's parents are hoping to raise the 80,000 needed for new drug treatment in Houston, where early signs have shown treatment to have delayed the illness or even cured it.

Said Corrine, raising money at Bexhill Diabetic Group's annual summer fair: "Charlie has such very little time left and this treatment is her last chance. The drugs are in stage two of study and there are four stages. But Charlie's parents want her to have a chance with anything that is available. They just cannot give up on her.

"The children the drugs have helped so far have done really well. Sweden is also testing a similar drug."

The charity and Charlie's parents have managed to raise 60,000 in a few short weeks but they need another 20,000.

If you can help or would like to make a donation, call Corrine on 224656.

l Proceeds from a 12-hour indoor rowing record attempt will go towards Charlie's appeal.

Lifestyle Personal Fitness in Western Road, is making the record attempt outside the gym from 6am tomorrow (Saturday).

Rowers will attempt to establish new World and British 12-hour records, said Paul Holdaway from the gym.

"The aim is to raise as much as possible so sponsorship or donations before or on the day will be most appreciated."

A team of 10 will be rowing for one minute in every 10, non-stop for 12 hours and hope to row 200,000 metres in total.

There will be free induction to the Lifestyle gym (normally 20) for those who donate 5 or over.

For more details call Paul on 810096.