11:01am Wednesday 25th September 2002
By Joseph O Shea
Since he was telling jokes at a fundraising event last Thursday, James Haddad's condition has rapidly deteriorated, making even speech difficult for the brave nine-year-old.
The effects of James' life-threatening brain condition are taking hold, confining him to a wheelchair, and depriving him of movement in one side of his young body.
His parents Robert and Sue are now getting round-the-clock help to cope with James' condition, while they wait desperately for news on where and when their son can get treatment.
Flights to the US have been reserved courtesy of Virgin Atlantic, but the prospect of James being unable to make the journey, is something his parents are now coming to terms with.
They are however determined to carry on hoping and fighting for James, and the fundraising continues to help him receive pioneering treatment abroad, meet his care costs and fulfil some of his childhood ambitions.
Over £30,000 has now been raised for the James Haddad Appeal fund, with four recent events providing a timely boost.
On Thursday, the latest event took place at My Old China restaurant in Purley. A fantastic evening of food, drink and live music from local brother and sister band LA Zakatek, and their dad Lenny Zakatek brought the house down.
Two nights at owner William Chan's restaurant have raised a tremendous £3,672 for the appeal, thanks largely to the efforts of Leon and Amber who sang, hosted an auction and raffle, in front of a generous set of diners.
This comes on the back of last week's fundraiser at Kudos nightclub, organised by Kathy Moore, which raised over £2,500, and £2,526 made at a quiz night at John Fisher Sports Pavilion, organised Lino and Mina Rodriguez.
These events have given the appeal renewed momentum, and the Haddad family would like to thank everyone, who has been involved in fundraising, or given whatever they could, for their kindness.
Further events are planned (see adjoining column) including a chance to win a Lexus in the Whitgift Centre from Sunday September 29, to Thursday, October 3, and an all-day rowing marathon by Croydon Fire Brigade on October 10.
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