BRILLIANT Bakkavor staff in Spalding completed our ‘Joshua Appeal’ in one fell swoop with a whopping £900 donation within hours of the story hitting the streets.
Spalding Garth School pupil Joshua Holmes (3) suffers from a severe form of cerebral palsy, which affects all four limbs, and is fed through a tube in his tummy.
He also has severe global development delay and speaks in “baby babble” rather than words.
Single mum Aimee Holmes (27), of Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge, has never heard him say “mummy” and doesn’t know if he will ever be able to talk.
Aimee and her family have spent hundreds of pounds on equipment – including a 5ft wide soft play ball – to make life more comfortable for Joshua.
Last Thursday, Aimee launched a £1,200 appeal to buy a specially adapted shed so Joshua’s equipment can be set up inside and he can play there safely with her.
We gave the appeal a kick start with £300 from the Lincolnshire Free Press Children’s Fund, Bakkavor staff shop manager Pat Baxter picked up the phone to donate £900 and we received £70 in three separate donations from generous readers.
All money given will go to Joshua’s care.
Bakkavor staff shop raises thousands of pounds for good causes.
Pat Baxter said she was so moved by Joshua’s story that the decision to help was instant.
She said: “That’s what we do, isn’t it? We help local charities and children. When I read the story I thought oh my goodness and I spoke to my manager.”
Aimee was bowled over by the news.
She told us: “Oh my word, that’s amazing. I can’t believe that.
“I was really worried that the appeal would run for ages and that people would not donate or anything.
“I am just so grateful.”
On Tuesday, Aimee and Joshua went to Bakkavor to meet Pat Baxter.
Spalding Guardian and Lincolnshire Free Press editor Jeremy Ransome was also there to add his thanks and meet the little boy at the centre of the appeal and his mum.
He said: “Joshua is a smashing lad and we were only too glad to help. We want to thank Bakkavor staff – and our readers – for being so generous. Every penny will go to Joshua because Aimee has explained he has an ‘endless list’ of special equipment needs.”
l The Lincolnshire Free Press Children’s Fund helps children living in our circulation area and donations can be sent to us at Priory House, The Crescent, Spalding PE11 1AB.