Skye Swinton campaign raises more than £8,000
DONATIONS have been coming in fast for a Cheltenham tot who wants a £40,000 operation to help her walk properly.
Three-year-old Skye Swinton's fundraising campaign, being supported by the Gloucestershire Echo, has reached a milestone – with 20 per cent of the cash having been donated.
The little girl suffers from spastic diplegic cerebral palsy and the pioneering surgery will help her walk with more stability.
Kind benefactors have donated £8,661 for Skye who was born 13 weeks prematurely – weighing just 1lb 15oz.
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Mum Ruth, from Arle, has been overwhelmed by the generosity for her daughter who has trouble standing up and spends a lot of her time in a wheelchair.
The 38-year-old former teacher said: "I am just so excited and I just can't believe how many people have made donations. I expected to have around £5,000 by the end of the year, so it is way beyond what I imagined.
"We have had a few sizeable donations, one for more than £800 from one man who wants to remain anonymous.
"We know his name, but do not know him and we think he must have read about it in the Echo. It is just fantastic and we are so grateful and we don't know how to thank him enough."
The operation will reduce the spasticity in Skye's leg muscles and prevent her needing major orthopaedic surgery when older.
Another benefactor who has come forward is Shelley Taylor from Up Hatherley.
The 33-year-old mum of three heard about Skye's plight through a mutual friend of Ruth's and wanted to do something.
She is arranging a Ladies' Night for Saturday at the Hillview Community Centre in Up Hatherley at 8pm.
Shelley said: "I heard about Skye and just wanted to do something. I just thought if something could be done it should be done by the community."
It will include voluntary participation belly dancing, a singer, gift stalls, a bar and a raffle.
Tickets are £6 in advance from Retaylors, next to Morrisons, or £8 on the door.
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