Fund for disabled March boy's sensory garden appeal gets off to a flying start
Around a £1,000 has been raised so far towards a sensory garden for a severely disabled March boy.
The Fenland Citizen helped launch the Joseph's Sensory Garden Appeal last month with the hope of raising around £10,000 to provide a garden suitable for 10-year-old Joseph Farmer, who is confined to a wheelchair.
The appeal is being spear-headed by Carol Alderton, leader of the Wisbech Phab Club, and she is delighted with the response so far.
Offers of help have come from two March-based charities FACET and Eddie's and on Wednesday representatives of both went along to meet Joseph's dad Daniel at his home in Deerfield Road to see what is needed for themselves.
FACET took along a shrub they have grown and are offering to make the raised flower beds needed to make the garden accessible for Joseph to enjoy.
Members of Eddie's arts and crafts group have offered to create a colourful wall decoration out of mosaic tiles they will be making with a large mirror at its centre, and they brought along examples of what they have already created.
Carol also took along a water feature that has been donated by Liberty Mains Free Features which will be one of the garden's focal points.
One of the first aims is to purchase a swing that is both suitable for Joseph in his wheelchair and for his four-year-old sister, Isla, to enjoy side by side.
"I have been looking and I think I have found what we need. They are around £800, and I'd like to make that a priority as it is something Isla said she would really like and it would be great for them to both enjoy together," said Carol.
Meanwhile there are two upcoming sponsored events. A karaoke evening at FACET on September 30, which will be open to all and a cycle ride around Rutland Water on November 11.
The Rutland event will be open to anyone who wants to take part and participants will be able to undertake a short or long route and can also walk or run if they prefer not to cycle.
Anyone interested in taking part should contact Carol at carol.alderton@btinternet.com
Carol is also collecting items for tombola stalls and again anyone who has something to donate should contact Carol.
To make a donation to the appeal visit: mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/carolalderton
