Public respond well with appeal to get Mia new walking frame (From Bournemouth Echo)

Public respond well with appeal to get Mia new walking frame

10:00am Saturday 2nd February 2013 in News By Katie Clark

PLEDGES: Happy Mia Cristofoli with mum Gemma at their home in Christchurch

AN APPEAL for a local hero to help a Christchurch family buy a standing frame for their disabled daughter has had a great response.

Dozens of Daily Echo readers have responded to the charity Newlife to help fund a specialist frame for five-year-old Mia Cristofoli, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

Within three days of the appeal being featured in the paper, Dorset donors raised £895 in banked money and pledges towards the equipment, which costs £1,794.

The frame would help Mia to take part in more group activities at school and also to help play with her twin sister Ella at home.

Newlife fundraising manager Nora Smith said: “We want to thank every person who has donated to Mia’s appeal; we are delighted to have raised so much in such a short time.

“However, we still have another £899 to find so that Mia can join in all her school activities.”

Among the first to respond was Shan Seewooruthun from local business organisation The BC Club, which has donated £500.

Mr Seewooruthun said: “We’re a group of businessmen in the Bourne-mouth, Poole and Southampton areas who raise money for local causes.

“Virtually all of us are fathers and so causes involving children are exactly what we love to help with.

“Having read the article in the Echo, we were all very touched by Mia’s story and just wanted to help.”

A further £160 has been donated by members of the Dale Valley Road sheltered housing amenities club in Poole.

Members of the social club, who are aged from 75 to 97, collected the money at coffee mornings and bingo sessions throughout 2012 and wanted the funds to go to help a local child.

Mia, a pupil at Victoria Education Centre in Poole, relies on supportive specialist equipment including a buggy for mobility.

She has outgrown her previous standing frame, which was not only used for social activities but to support her physical needs.

Mum Gemma Cristofoli said: “Both of Mia’s hips are dislocated so having access to a standing frame is important because it helps her hips stay in the correct position and provides stretch to her muscles which prevents contractures.”

To help Mia through donations or fundraising, contact Newlife on 0800 988 4640.