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Abigail’s American dream half-way there
Friends and family of Abigal Cook, seven, of Warmsworth cheer after raising more money through a bike ride. Picture: Andrew Roe
THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised to help a little girl’s dream of swimming with dolphins come true - with support including that of an Olympic hero.
The Free Press exclusively revealed last week how seven-year-old Abigail Cook was struck with a terminal illness called Batten Disease. The incurable condition means she has to use a wheelchair, suffers seizures and tragically may not see past her 14th birthday.
The Warmsworth youngster has put together a wish list of things she wants to do - with a £7,000 trip to Orlando, Florida, her ultimate goal so she can swim with dolphins with mum Lindsey, 35, dad Martin, 44, and 11-year-old brother Oliver.
Doncaster’s tae kwon do ace Sarah Stevenson MBE has personally contacted the Free Press to offer gifts to be auctioned off for charity and residents have called in offering donations.
Generous folk have also ‘raleigh-ed’ around to make the Warmsworth Primary School pupil’s dream come true with charity cycle rides and other fundraisers.
Family friend Simon Auty took on a three peaks bike trek in Castleton to raise over £800 and another group of charitable cyclists completed a four-hour ride from Cleethorpes to Doncaster bringing in more than £1,000.
One of Abigail’s caring school friends Luke Hill, seven, even donated his pocket money he had been saving, her primary have put on a charity disco this week and the Cheryl Jones School of Dance in Moorends held a show to bring in £600.
The family have been overwhelmed by the support which has pushed the Abigail Cook’s Wish List funding pot over the halfway mark.
Mrs Cook, of Low West Road, Warmsworth, said: “We can’t thank people enough for what they have done for us, the support has been unbelievable.
“We held a committee meeting last week and people we didn’t even know came along just to donate money, thousands of pounds too. The response has been amazing.”
Further fundraising plans include men growing their hair throughout November, a charity race night and a coffee morning.
The Free Press are supporting Abigail’s Wish List appeal. To help, call 01302 347260 or email editorial@doncastertoday.co.uk
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Weather for Doncaster
Sunday 26 May 2013
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Temperature: 6 C to 18 C
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