‘Raising for Raife’ marches on towards £45,000 target

SUPPORT continues to grow for a Melksham family determined to raise £45,000 for a life-changing operation for their little boy.

Two year-old Raife Wilson has cerebral palsy, a condition which affects movement and co-ordination, making it hard for him to balance.

Since November last year, family and friends have been trying to raise £45,000 to pay for special surgery at Bristol Children’s Hospital which will help him walk on his own. So far, they have raised over £16,500 from fundraising and donations.

The month of July has been particularly successful for the ‘Raising for Raife’ team with several events taking place across the county.

At the beginning of the month the family hosted their summer party, which raised £2,941. “What an amazing night,” said Raife’s mother Laura Wilson on the ‘Raising for Raife’ Facebook page.

“Everyone danced the night away and I’m sure there were some sore heads the next morning. The shot station did very well! Thank you to all that came to support us, it means the world to us. (I’m) a little taken back by your kindness.”

Later in the month a bag packing fundraiser was held at Sainsbury’s of Melksham, raising £926 with the help of an appearance of  every child’s favourite cartoon character, Peppa Pig.

The following day, an eight-mile run from Bradford on Avon to Melksham took place, organised by friends Vicky Maynard, Tracey Clarke and Natasha Rodger. At the end of the run, participants gathered at the Pig and Whistle pub for a drink and a raffle, helping to raise over £800.

The fundraising doesn’t stop there, with more events coming up in the next few weeks. An Evening of Mediumship and Music will be held at the Forest Community Centre on Friday 21st July with psychic medium Steve Howell attending and a musician performance by Victoria Bolley.

The evening starts at 7.30pm, tickets cost £10. Contact Tracey Howell on 07940 44610 for tickets or the community centre on 01225 635234.

Next month CBeebie’s Gem from Swashbuckle is hosting a sold out pirate party for Raife at the Trowbridge Civic Centre on Friday 4th August. With over 700 people attending, the party promises to be full of fun with CBeebie’s Gem putting on a pirate show, games for all, fancy dress, a raffle, stalls and inflatables.

To donate, visit www. justgiving.com/fundraising/raife-wilson or to contact the family, search Raising for Raife on Facebook.