Jeni Wardley and Linda Chappell to shave their hair to raise £10,000 for charity Post Pals

Jeni Wardley and her mum, Linda Chappell, are set to shave their hair to raise funds for charity

Littleborough residents Jeni Wardley and her mum, Linda Chappell, are set to shave their hair to raise £10,000 for the Post Pals charity, which is dedicated to making seriously ill children smile by the sending of cards, letters, little gifts, support and friendship.

Mother-of-three Jeni explained: “My children get regular treats and post organised by this charity; it makes them so excited and we appreciate the friendship this charity brings. They make us feel cared for whilst supporting us all as a family and we want to help them. I have seen the many wonderful things they do for the Post Pals families and for those who have lost their children.

“We are doing this because we are a mother and a grandmother to a beautiful, inspiring child with a life-threatening condition. We know how much charities like Post Pals can lift spirits and keep us fighting, and help us go on with the worries of caring for a child when you do not know how long you will have them in your life. We want to do this for all the Post Pals families.”

Jeni’s seven-year-old son, River, is amongst the Post Pals families as one of only nine people in the world – and the only child in the UK – suffering from a life-threatening genetic condition: an extremely rare mutation on his CNK SR2 gene, which causes seizures, and intellectual, attention and language deficits. He also has central and obstructive sleep apnoea, hypermobility syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, autism, ADHD and uncontrolled epilepsy.

Jeni continued: “I love to colour my hair; I am known for all my wacky hair colours.

“If we raise enough money for Post Pals, we will do this. It is not something I ever thought I would do, especially with my mum too. I love my bright coloured hair and what a supportive mum I have.

“Due to the low funds, Post Pals has had to make the difficult decision to put a hold on their ‘Wishes’ projects, ‘Star Awards’ trophies and fingerprint necklaces and keyrings for those who have a child with a life-threatening condition.

“They have also had to reduce some of their schemes with other projects are being affected as well.”

In addition to supporting sick children aged three to 17, the small volunteer-run charity also supports siblings, like River’s older sister, Roxi-Blue, who also has autism and sensory issues. When a birthday trip to Alton Towers was cancelled at the last minute, Post Pals sent her a small gift.

Jeni said: “They posted a gift to Roxi-Blue when they heard we had to cancel her birthday treat which was a weekend at Alton Towers in the Girly Sleep Over room. This had been booked for months and was cancelled because River was rushed to hospital by ambulance.

“Roxi-Blue woke up excited, all suitcases waiting packed by the front door, only to find out we couldn’t go. A gift from Post Pals of a Disney Stitch t-shirt brought a smile to her face, especially as it was a personal touch.”

To support Jeni and Linda, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jennifer-wardley