A FUNDRAISING afternoon at a borough football club raised £1,600 for youngsters in the borough with cleft palate.
Debbie Waistell and her daughter Isabella, aged eight, organised the event, called Isabella’s Fundraising Afternoon, at Emmbrook Football Club to raise money for and awareness of the condition.
Debbie, said: “It was everything we wanted it to be – the sun shone, and so many people came.”
Isabella knows about cleft palate first hand, having recently undergone an operation herself, at Oxford Children’s Hospital and the Spires Cleft Centre.
While she was recovering at the Robin ward of Oxford Children’s Hospital, she was visited by a play leader who gave her a bag of toys and crafts to occupy her.
It was then that Isabella decided she wanted to buy more toys for other children on the ward to enjoy.
“She’s always wanting to do things for other people – Isabella’s our little ray of sunshine,” said her mum.
Visitors to the family event were able to enjoy traditional tombola, raffles, cake stalls, music from Express DJ, and rides on a miniature steam engine.
“It brought the community together in such a wonderful way, and we couldn’t have done any of this without all our family and friends,” continued Debbie.
“I’d like to thank everyone who supported us, whether with prize donations, or as part of our wonderful army of helpers.
“And a special shout out to my friend Jane, who helped me with ticketing.
“Everyone left so happy, and we’ve had a lot of wonderful feedback.
“It was hard work to organise, but definitely worth the effort, and we’re already being asked when the next one will be.”
Money raised by the fundraising afternoon was divided between the Spires Cleft Centre where Isabella had her operation, and the Oxford Children’s Hospital.
“We went to the hospital last week to deliver the cheque and the toys, and they were so grateful,” said Debbie.
Anyone who couldn’t make the fun day, but who would like to donate to Isabella’s cleft palate fund, can email Debbie at: waistelldebbie@gmail.com
