Severely ill children spark united fundraising efforts from “close-knit” community 

A community has united to support two severely ill children in “heartbreaking” conditions - raising money for their cause.

One-year-old Rory was born with cerebral palsy after a difficult labour caused brain damage and an induced coma. The baby’s parents were informed soon after that he has the lifelong, debilitating condition.

Meanwhile, young Lottie, as previous reported by Rochdale Online, has undergone intensive chemotherapy and surgery to combat a malignant brain tumour.
 

Read more: Lottie's sunshine spirit unwavering amid brain tumour battle Published: 28 May 2024

Both families, from Rhodes, Middleton, received a wave of support from the community who are determined to raise as much money as possible, which they plan to do with a family fun day on the August bank holiday.

The money will go towards “the holiday of a lifetime” for Lottie, and important sensory equipment for baby Rory.

Bev Robinson, a family friend who is organising the event said: “Rhodes is one of those old fashioned communities where everyone knows each other, and everyone shows up for each other.

“What’s happened here is no different, everyone wants to support these children in any way they can.

“I actually grew up with Lottie’s dad, we went to school together, and Rory’s grandad is the manager of our local pub the Wilton Arms, where the fun day is taking place. It’s a close-knit community.”

She added: “Everyone knew about Lottie after reading about it on Rochdale Online, but not as many people knew about baby Rory, so this event is a good way to raise money for both children and both families.”

The fun day will take place at the Wilton Arms Hotel on Manchester Old Road on Sunday (25 August) - the August bank holiday weekend.

There will be a special teddy tombola where every time a child has a go, they will win a prize. Numerous stalls, games and activities have been planned through the day, to bring the community together and to raise funds for both Lottie and Rory.

Bev continued: “Aside from the sensory equipment that Rory really needs, we are hoping to fund the holiday for Lottie. When she was asked where she wants to go, given the fact she could have picked anywhere in the world, she chose Center Parcs, which isn’t what we expected.

“We are looking forward to raising what we can for them both.”