Naomi's battle gets £4k boost
Generous Wigan Evening Post readers have been instrumental in hitting a crucial milestone in cystic fibrosis sufferer Naomi's Fight.
The campaign to raise 20,000 to provide life-prolonging equipment for the toddler from Ince is fast gathering pace.
Thanks to charitable readers, two-year-old Naomi Farrington is now one third of the way to receiving the 12,000 special compression vest from America that she so desperately needs.
The remainder of the money – 8,000 – is required for essential adjustments to the vest plus shipping and insurance costs as Naomi grows up.
Readers have shown their selfless generosity in reaching the 4,000 mark, not least Eugene and Pat Sharples who asked friends and family to give money to Naomi instead of buying them golden wedding anniversary presents.
The couple, of Bird Street, Ince, managed to raise 70.
Mr Sharples, 72, said: "We read about Naomi in the paper and decided we would like to give some money.
"She's a little girl who needs help so it's the least we could do."
Members of Naomi's family are currently organising a huge fund-raising event at Jay Dee's, in Poolstock, on July 12 and have been inundated with offers of help.
One man has even offered up a two-week stay in his Florida villa – exclusive of flights – for a top prize.
Tracy Morris, Naomi's aunt, who is heading the fund-raising, said: "It's an incredible prize and a beautiful villa and is worth anything between 600 to 1,000 depending on when the winner would want to go. The tickets should be on sale by April 14.
"We have been astounded by such generosity and warmth. Other people have been equally generous including three people who gave us the contents of their penny jars."
The three men added 46, 77 and 11 to the pot.
Family members also did a bag pack at Farm Foods on Woodhouse Lane, on Saturday, raising 245.
Tracy, 40, said: "I hope they will have us back again, it was brilliant that so many people were willing to give their change and a bit more besides."
Naomi's parents, Sarah Prowse and Christopher Farrington, say they too, cannot believe the wealth of support they have received.
Sarah said: "We can't believe that so many people have given money for Naomi when they don't even know us. Despite having their hands full with Naomi and new baby, Joshua, the couple are planning their own fund-raising venture.
Sarah said: "We are doing what we can to get involved and are hoping to go to Blackpool in fancy dress to collect but we have to get a licence first. We just both want to say a big, big thank you to everyone."
Raffle tickets for a two-week stay in Florida will go on sale on Monday, priced at 1. They can be bought from DJ Booze and Food, 110 Woodhouse Lane, or by calling 07845 010661, or emailing dannymorris01@btinternet.com.
If anyone would like to make a donation, cheques must be payable to 'Naomi's Fight'. Please send to Kristina Santus, Wigan Evening Post, Martland Mill, Martland Mill Lane, Wigan. WN5 0LX
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Weather for Wigan
Tuesday 07 February 2012
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