Readers answer family's call (From Penarth Times)

Readers answer family's call

1:30pm Thursday 12th November 2009

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THE PARENTS of a two-year-old girl who has cerebral palsy have thanked Penarth Times readers for their ‘overwhelming’ support, as they continue to raise money to pay for a £40,000 operation.

As previously reported (October 29), Elodie Wilton did not show any signs of the condition until her parents Rhys and Catherine Wilton saw she had trouble walking.

The Dinas Powys couple were then left devastated last month when their daughter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

After researching potential treatments, mum Catherine discovered there is an operation that could greatly improve Elodie’s mobility - but the treatment is expensive and is only available in America.

The Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) procedure is best performed when patients are young, before joint deformities take place.

The family are in a race against time to raise enough money to pay for the operation, and appealed to readers for help.

Following their plea, the couple have received more than £1,250 and have organised a range of fundraising events to boost that total.

Catherine said: “We've had an amazing response from the article and we would like to thank all the Penarth Times readers who have donated so far. “Special thanks must go to the Albert Road Keep Fit Ladies who donated £1,000! “We’ve also received £250 from an unknown donor. “It would be great if they could supply their address so we can send a thank you. “Heather Williams and Phil Dennis of Penarth have already started fundraising for us and are arranging collection buckets, raffles and are providing t-shirts for anyone looking to take part in an event," she added. “Heather and her friend Teresa will be running the Llanelli Half Marathon in March for the Elodie Wilton Appeal Fund. “Thanks also go to BJ2 line dancing in Penarth who raised £100 for us.

“It’s been overwhelming and we are so grateful to everyone for their support.”

(blob) To make a donation, call Catherine on 07909 784 554 or email: cathfitt@hotmail.com. Donations can also be made at The Three Horse Shoes pub on Station Road, Dinas Powys.

PANEL Future events to raise money for Elodie’s treatment include: (blob) A coffee morning at the Kynance Hall, Dinas Powys Methodist Church on Saturday, November 21, from 10am to midday. Entry is £1.50, children go free. Also includes a raffle, cake stall, tombola and face-painting. Free tea, coffee, squash and biscuits.

(blob) A quiz night at the Three Horse Shoes pub in Dinas Powys on Monday, November 23, from 7.30pm. Entry is £2 per person. (Blob) A restaurant evening for Santes Dwynwen (the Welsh Valentine's Day) on January 25 at Meditteraneos in Penarth is currently being finalised. Keep an eye on the Penarth Times for more details.

(blob) A Spring Ball and Auction at Novotel hotel in Cardiff on April 2. If you are a DJ and can play at the event, contact Catherine Wilton on 07909 784 554.

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