Youngsters help boost our appeal

Leicester Mercury, 30 November 2009

Football-mad toddlers helped boost the Leicester Mercury's Loros Christmas appeal at a penalty shoot-out.

Children aged from 18 months to five years took part in the event at Thurmaston's Christmas fair yesterday, and together raised about £250.

They are some of the many people who have already taken time to support our campaign.

The Mercury Loros Appeal was launched to raise £450,000 towards the cost of an 11-room extension at the hospice.

We want to collect £100,000 towards our target by Christmas, and donations have already raised more than £67,000.

Bhavesh Sanghani, director of children's football training company Little Kickers, in Oadby, put on the shoot-out.

He said: "We saw the campaign and decided to come to Thurmaston to raise money for Loros.

"We've been charging 50p for three kicks at the goal, and we also had raffle tickets for people to win free coaching.

"I think we're raised about £250. It's been a brilliant day."

Maria Powell, 29, from Thurmaston, took sons Jayden, four, and Brandon, two, to have a go.

She said: "They both love football and Loros is a really great cause to be raising money for."

Andy Millard, 53, from Thurmaston, took nephew Jack, four.

He said: "My wife works as the manager at the Loros shop in Syston and I'm a big supporter.

"It's an excellent hospice and I'm glad the Leicester Mercury is supporting it in this way.

"Both my father-in-law and my mate's wife died there and Leicester is lucky to have it."

Danielle Pickering's three-year-old son Freddie was in two minds about having a go.

Danielle, 25, from Thurmaston, said: "He's a bit shy today."

The Thurmaston event also included fairground rides, a barbecue and stalls.

The day raised money for several causes, including the Old School, which needs repairs.

Pat Davies, assistant booking officer at the Old School, said: "We have a £2,000 bill for the dry rot and woodworm and the car park needs work. The building is a real community asset."

 

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