Support grows for young James (From Croydon Guardian)

Support grows for young James

11:58am Wednesday 1st May 2002 in

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Since the James Haddad Appeal fund was launched in March, to help fund treatment for the eight year old battling a life threatening brain condition, the people of Croydon have shown remarkable generosity in donating over £5,000.

The Haddad family have been deeply touched by peoples' continued efforts in raising much needed funds to pay for possible treatment abroad, care for James and help fulfil some of his childhood ambitions.

Support was certainly drummed up last Saturday, April 20, when the Silver Echo Steel Band, made up of local musicians aged 11 to 16, and directed by Ricky de Cairos, played for four hours outside Safeways in South Norwood to raise £500.

Ricky, the Haddads' neighbour, said: "We read about James in the Guardian and desperately wanted to help. While the band was playing we were amazed at the response."

Robert Haddad said: "Every week Sue and I continue to be extremely touched by the continued and caring community support for our son, James. Words can not express our sincerest thanks to Ricky, his wife Grace and the inspirational young members of the band."

Another musical fund raiser has been scheduled for Sunday, June 9, at the Comedy Play House Cartoon, London Road. Musical starlet James Ford, aged 11, who also attends St Mary's Junior School is organising a rock gig, with fellow musicians.

Other organisations to have helped raise cash include St Mary's RC Schools, St Mary's Church, St Andrew's Church, Sisters of Nazareth in Hammersmith, the HCPT group 87 from Canterbury and Royal Mail staff from Croydon.

Further events are planned including an HCPT wine and wisdom evening and an auction of prizes, kindly donated including signed football memorabilia. (For details see later issues of the Guardian).

Donations have not been limited to Croydon either, with our dedicated appeal website attracting over 300 hits in its first two weeks and leading to donations from as far as California. The Guardian appeal and other initiatives have reached the first milestone. The fund surpassed the £5000 mark on April 23, and currently stands nearer £6,000. Guardian readers have so far donated over £1,600. Many Thanks!