A CHARITY launched by a Northumberland couple to help cure their daughter’s blindness has almost reached its £50,000 fundraising target thanks to a recent Pig & Pimms Garden Party.
Around 700 people attended the event, which was held at Georgian country pile Acton House near Felton, raising more than £13,000 towards stem cell research into aniridia.
Alnmouth parents Elly and James Chapple started the charity a year ago to help their four-year-old daughter Ella who was born with no irises and has a rare chromosome disorder that affects one in 800,000. Ultimately the family hope their fundraising efforts will lead to a cure for aniridia and restore their daughter’s sight altogether.
“Ella has been through more in the last five years than most have to endure in a lifetime,” said mum Elly Chapple, 35, who runs a holiday lettings business.
“She is amazing and provides us with so much happiness and hope.”
Eileen and Alan Ferguson, who run Fergusons Transport, opened up the grounds of their home for the party which they organised along with The St Michael and All Angels Church Mission Group.
“What a fantastic day it was,” said Eileen. “People travelled from all over the region. We had familiar faces visiting but we saw new faces which was brilliant.
“We want as many people as possible to become aware of this condition, and help Professor Julie Daniels and her team at Moorfields Eye Hospital find a cure. Ella faces daily challenges at a very young age. She is absolutely adorable and loved by everyone in our local village of Felton.”
Barbara Butchert from the St Michael and All Angels Church Mission Group, added: “It was such a lovely day. It has been several months of tiring, but extremely enjoyable planning. We are over the moon that we managed to raise such an impressive sum.”
Further fundraising is planned over the summer to help reach the target including a sponsored fun fitness event by the children at St Michael and All Angels Church.
For more information visit www.cureaniridia.co.uk or donate online at www.justgiving.com/Shine-the-Light-on-Aniridia. Alternatively email Elly at ellychapple@googlemail.com
