Summer party to raise money for two year old’s operation

A MELKSHAM family is throwing a summer party in their continued efforts to raise enough money to pay 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.

His family and friends are 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 £11,000 from fundraising and donations.

The summer party promises a night of fun that includes a disco, auction and a raffle. Raife’s mum Laura said, “We have some fab prizes for the raffle, a two-hour tattoo voucher, a signed Chelsea shirt from all the first team and some lovely gifts from shops such as Boots and local shops in Melksham like Bookasaurus.”

When the family aren’t busy fundraising and raising awareness of Raife’s condition, life continues as normal for the Wilsons. Laura said, “We are all well, Raife has starting toilet training. We were initially concerned that he would never have the control over his bladder but he’s done so well and has just taken to it. We are going to have some bars installed soon to help him stand up to the loo and Raife’s occupational therapist has provided us with some steps appropriate for him to have safe access.

“A friend of ours has kindly given us their apartment in Spain for a week in September. Obviously we cannot afford a holiday at the moment, so we are so thankful for their kindness and generosity to allow us to have some real family time together. It will be interesting to see if the heat helps ease his tension a little.”

The hottest party of the summer is on Saturday 1st July from 7.30pm until late at the Farmhouse Inn in Southwick. Tickets are £10; to purchase them please call Laura on 07533 143067 or contact the family via their Facebook page www.face book.com/raising forraife

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fund raising/Raife-Wilson