A BID to brighten little Sophie Woolgar's life has sparked a heartwarming response from all sections of the community.

Sophie is a two year old who has cerebral pasly, is quadriplegic, registered blind and prone to fits.

Her family has launched a £10,000 appeal for a Sensory Room at their home in Millfields, Nantwich.

Its special features will include sounds, smells and fibre optics that will provide the brain damaged youngster the stimulation she needs.

Since we spotlighted the Sensory Room Appeal last month her parents Janet and Ray have received £2,500 from train company Adtranz and £500 from the Lady Verdin Trust which specialises in helping adults with learning difficulties.

"We have extended our normal brief simply because we felt Sophie's situation was one we could relate to as an organisation," said Trust Operations Manager, Chris Chennell.

Family and friends aim to boost the fund with sponsored events. Five runners will be lining up for Sophie's fund at the London Marathon and local children's nursery Alphabet Zoo are planning a sponsored walk.

Sophie's plight certainly went to the heads and touched the hearts of Malbank School pupils. They devoted a lunch hour to a variety of fundraisers for the appeal.

It was Friday the 13th and ideal for the 'mad hair and hat day' that was part of the programme.The school's Key Stage Four Student Council provided the initiative and when its chairman, Rosie Ferguson and vice-chairman Christopher Langster asked for ideas from the year 10 and 11 pupils the result was impressive.

Friday 13 saw a fund-raising festival over lunchtime when over fourteen projects, from a Teddy Bears Picnic to a Jelly Bean Count, went into action.

Talkative Danielle Tontsch raised £50 with her own sponsored silence. Headteacher Mr Alan Kettleday could be seen heading off into the distance on a sponsored challenge run, while pupils challenged staff to a netball match. The whole event, from the first brainwave to the final count, was organised by the pupils themselves.

Janet and Ray will be glad to provide more information about the appeal on 610149,

A special bank account has been set up at Barclay's, Nantwich, in the name of 'Sophie's Sensory Room Appeal'. (Sorting code 20 24 09; Account No 50984698).

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