Fund continues towards target (From Croydon Guardian)

Fund continues towards target

12:34pm Wednesday 24th July 2002 in News

Since it was launched in March, the James Haddad Appeal has raised over £17,000 for the West Croydon boy who is suffering from a life-threatening brain condition.

The fund was launched to help the single-income family cover the costs of caring for James, fulfil some of his childhood ambitions and pay for treatment abroad when it becomes necessary.

The experience of other families who have had to seek treatment in America to fight this condition suggests the Haddads will need at least £80,000 to cover their costs and that is the target of the appeal.

Their plight has touched the heart of Guardian readers who have generously donated over £3,500 to the appeal so far.

As well as hundreds of small donations, the latest cheque we received was for £358, raised by the staff at Vodafone's Lombard Roundabout offices.

The fund-raising efforts of friends and family have also boosted the fund total to over £17,000. St. Mary's RC Junior school, where James is still a part-time pupil, held a dress down day recently raising £296.

A music event at another local school raised £500 and generous donations from Deutsche Bank (£1,750) and Barclays Insurance, Bedford Park (£416) have been warmly received.

James' father Robert said: "We cannot find words to express our thanks to the kind people who have donated or given time to raise money for the fund. We are deeply touched that people who do not even know our son, have been so generous."

On Saturday, a steel band will be playing outside the Purley Tescos from 11am in aid of the fund and an auction of various memorabilia donated by showbiz and sporting stars will be auctioned at Kudos on September 12 (see your Guardian for details).