'Charlie's Army' raise money to send sick baby to America
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A FUNDRAISER to help a baby boy on life support has generated almost £3000.
Dozens of people turned out for Charlie’s Tea Party at the Chieftain Hotel in Inverness on Sunday to help seven-month-old Charlie Gard, whose parents are trying to raise £1.2 million to allow him to travel to America for potentially life-saving treatment. So far they have raised just over £400,000.
Charlie was born with genetic mitochondrial disease, a condition that saps energy from his organs and muscles, and doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital have applied for permission to switch off his life support, believing it is not in his best interests to continue receiving treatment.
However, his parents Connie Yates and Chris Gard are refusing to give up hope and are rallying their family to try and raise the funds which will take him overseas.
Although they live in London they have almost 50 relatives in the Inverness area and this weekend’s tea party was organised by Connie’s cousin Audrey Mackinnon, who lives in Munlochy.
Describing the response as "overwhelming," she added: "It was just amazing that so many people came out to take part.
"We had raffles and a tombola with prizes donated by a lot of very generous local businesses, plus other prize stalls like ‘guess how many sweets are in the jar’.
"There was also a craft table where children could make a card to send to Charlie and we had a book people could fill with messages of support that we will be sending to the family to let them know how many people are thinking of them.
"We’re Charlie’s Army and we’re just keeping going for his sake."
Among those who also turned out on the day was the Highland Bikers group, a social group of local motorbike enthusiasts who donated their time to drive around and drum up awareness of the event.
"They were so great – they also had their own whip round at the end of the day and raised a further £115 for us," Mrs Mackinnon said.
"Altogether the day raised £2950, which was a fantastic amount and I’d just like to thank everyone who helped out including the hotel and the Sign Centre who did flyers for us."
The family’s fundraising efforts do not end there though because Audrey is also planning a clairvoyant evening, again at the Chieftain Hotel on Friday from 7.30pm. Featuring medium Tommy Goodwin, there will also be a raffle and tickets, priced at £10, are available by calling 07933 737643.
Inverness Carwash in Lotland Street, Inverness, will also be donating all proceeds this Saturday to Charlie’s fund. As well as getting their vehicle cleaned, customers will be invited to take part in a tombola and raffle and enjoy some tea and cake.
Donations can be made online at www.gofundme.com/please-help-to-save-charlies-life
