Tom Sargent
I attended a fantastic fundraising evening at the Penyrheol Community Centre on Sunday evening in aid of young Tom Sargent.
Tom, who is nine, was diagnosed with a type of cerebral palsy called spastic diplegia at the age of two, a debilitating condition which affects his legs.
As he grows the muscles in his legs continue to tighten which means he can only walk very short distances with aids which causes him exhaustion and pain. This means Tom is often confined to a wheelchair.
Over the last two months a campaign has been launched to raise the £45,000 needed for a pioneering operation in the US after his bid for NHS surgery in Wales was turned down.
The evening was put on by two fantastic local businessmen Premji and Dhanji, who run the post office and shop in Penyreheol.
Businesses are often criticised for taking from communities but here is a great example of business people who are giving to their community. They support lots of other activities in the area.
I was amazed that Dhanji did a walk in India in aid of the appeal and £1,874 was raised in what is a relatively poor village. What a fantastic effort.
Compered by Wayne Newman, it included a great show from Patel’s Bollywood Dancers, the UK street dancing winner Luca Moore, the Rockwood Dog Display, Anallese, John Evans, dancers from St Cenydd School, Annie Bollywood Dance and Paul Mason.
This event, which also included a raffle,really showed community at its very best.
Everyone in Caerphilly has pulled together to support Tom and his family and have raised a huge amount of money. |
A total of £45,000 is needed for the pioneering operation in the United States. But since February a total of £65,000 has been raised which will help the costs of aftercare for Tom.
Thanks to everyone that is supporting this appeal and good luck for the operation to Tom and his family.
You can donate to Tom’s appeal through his Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/tomsdream
Lindsay Whittle
Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales East