Hooray! It's a dream come true for Alicia
Published Date:
12 August 2008
Generous News readers have helped a little girl's dream come true.
Five-year-old Alicia Pannell has severe cerebral palsy and the only time she can really relax her body is when she's in water.
In February Alicia's parents Sharon and Lee launched a £10,000 fund-raising appeal to buy their daughter a special hydrotherapy bath to help with her condition.
And in just a matter of months that full amount has been raised – thanks to you.
Sharon, 33, of Parker Close, Gosport, said: 'We really are over the moon, it's a dream come true.
'At first we didn't know whether we could raise the money. But now it's done and our little girl is awaiting the arrival of her dream bath. We are so grateful.'
When Alicia's story first appeared in The News in February, readers immediately flocked to lend a hand.
The Pannells were inundated with offers of donations, and some people were so compelled to help Alicia that they organised their own fund-raisers.
Portsmouth businessman Max Malzard, 37, took over a Chinese restaurant for a night and held a massive raffle. This raised hundreds of pounds, while Mr Malzard generously donated £1,000 of his own money as well.
Liz Creed, 35, of Leigh Park, organised a saucy sponsored walk in Ann Summers gear and various fund-raisers, raking in thousands of pounds.
And the Pannells' neighbours – Gosport councillor Mark Hook and his wife Lynn – arranged a horse racing fund-raiser which collected more than £1,000.
The final fund-raiser which smashed through the £10,000 target was a family night out with raffles, auctions and live music. This raised more than £3,300.
'We are just so overwhelmed at how generous people have been,' said Sharon.
The full article contains 303 words and appears in The News newspaper.
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Last Updated:
12 August 2008 9:15 AM
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Source:
The News
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Location:
Portsmouth