Our appeal to help a little girl celebrate her tenth birthday in style is off to a great start.
Readers have been sending in birthday cards so cerebral palsy sufferer Alice Bates can open them on February 3 ... but there’s a long way to go before we have the 1,000 Alice is dreaming of so she can completely cover her bedroom walls.
From the day she was born, Alice has fought daily battles against numerous health conditions and her family are so proud of her for fighting on that they want to make her tenth birthday a year-long celebration.
The family, from Long Sutton, asked Alice to make ten birthday wishes for her 10th birthday. The Lincolnshire Free Press then launched the Ten for 10 Appeal because we want to help make two of those wishes come true.
We’re collecting the 1,000 cards sent in by readers and we’re also appealing for donations towards a £5,500 timber lodge to house a therapy play room.
In order to stay well, Alice has to do many exercises and it will be easier for her if the equipment can be set out in a single room.
The Lincs Free Press Children’s Fund started the ball rolling with a £500 donation and we’re appealing for your help in finding the rest.
Could you organise a fundraiser for Alice, perhaps in your school or at a village hall, or donate just a little? Every penny will go to the therapy play room as we don’t spend anything on administration.
Please send your cards and donations to the Lincolnshire Free Press, Priory House, The Crescent, Spalding PE11 1AB. Cards should be suitable for a girl of ten and addressed to Alice Bates, c/o our address. Please make any cheques payable to the Lincs Free Press Children’s Fund.
• Alice’s family, including mum Charlotte and dad Andy, are making Alice’s other dreams come true.
If you wish to discuss the appeal, please call reporter Lynne Harrison on 01775 765413 or email lynne.harrison@jpress.co.uk
Previously ...
Let’s make it the best ever birthday for Long Sutton girl Alice