A TOTAL of £2,551.42 was raised at an event to help a two-year-old non-verbal girl Dottie Loveridge, from Stourport, her voice.
The amount takes the grand total for the fundraiser to £6.639.39.
Dottie was born with a genetic neurological condition, cysts on the brain and autism which means she is unable to understand or communicate with the world around her.
Despite her daily challenges, her mum Gemma said she was still the happiest, funny, cutest and most loving little girl many people would meet.
Now she, her family and friends are trying to raise £8,000 to fund a communication tablet device and assistant eye tracker which would enable Dottie to communicate and understand those closest to her. It will also provide ongoing help with her developmental delays and disabilities.
The ‘Give Dottie Her Voice’ event at the Severns Club in Stourport on Saturday featured local DJ SoulCarrot and other live music acts, along with games, raffles, a tombola, bottle raffle, cake sale, face painting and ponies.
Lois Maguire, a family friend and one of the organisers of the event, said: “Stourport you are awesome.
“Thank you you so much to every small business that has donated, every Stourport resident who has dropped off raffle prizes, everyone that donated their time to volunteer this week, doing collections, making prizes look pretty and being there today working your socks off.
“Dottie – your community have got you.
“We are here for you and will do all we can to support you in getting what you need to lead a happy and fulfilled life.”
Lois added special thanks to Darren at Severns Club and all the staff – especially Bernie and Craig – ‘who always went above and beyond’, Mick Carridine for being the DJ and Compère and Loz Rabone for the live music.
“Thank you to our dog show sponsors Stourport Dog Groomers and Pet 4 Max.
“Thank you to Dottie’s family and in particular Gemma Loveridge – you worked your socks off for your little girl today.
“Thanks for letting us be part of Dottie’s Journey.”
Long-term, Dottie’s mum Gemma has found out about specialist treatment that is available for her in the US which could potentially transform her life and quality of living.
Visit the fundraising page – gofundme.com/f/dotties-voice/ – to donate and for updates.
