Fundraisers give a big boost to brave youngster William
Fund-raisers at William's fun day
MORE than 500 people turned up to support little William Sainsbury and his family at their fund-raising fun day.
Held at West Tarring young people’s club, the event featured a Santa’s grotto, face-painting, a tombola and a huge range of games and activities, and raised nearly £4,000 for William and his family – and the money is still rolling in.
William’s mum, Karen, 33, said: “We were overwhelmed with the support we had from family, friends and people we didn’t even know! It is very touching and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.”
Three-year-old William, of Beckett Road, Worthing, suffers from a rare, life-limiting disease called mucopolysaccharidosis, which causes a protein deficiency. Sufferers of the incurable condition usually do not live past their teens.
To prolong her brother’s life, William’s sister Grace, six, has volunteered herself to donate her bone marrow, and has a transplant date set for January.
The money raised from the fun day will go towards sterilising the family home so it is a safe environment for William to come home to post-transplant.
Karen said: “The money we have counted up will already pay for transport back and forth from Great Ormond Street hospital on a more regular basis.
“We are also hoping to renovate William’s bedroom so he has his own space, with sensory equipment, which will really help him.”
She added: “Grace also really enjoyed the day, she was helping Santa in his grotto most of the time!
“But we had a speech half-way through the day and everyone cheered Grace for her bravery, which was lovely. The money we have raised from this day will also help her have a more stable family life, too.”
The next fund-raiser for the family is being held at the George and Dragon pub, in High Street, Tarring. The back-to-school-themed night will take place tomorrow, Friday, December 2.
For more information about William and fund-raising, visit William’s fund-raising page
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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