Cash pot grows for little Niamh

Thousands of pounds has been raised for Niamh Power after her family were told that there was nothing more that could be done in the UK and treatment in American was their only option.

But since then the eight-year-old has been accepted onto a UK trial which she started in Leeds this week.

Family and friends are continuing with their fundraising to help pay for the UK treatment - it is only part funded by the NHS - and to support the family.

Her grandmother Carole said: “She has started on the clinical trials. We obviously don’t know how this has gone yet. She will have blood tests after a week of treatment.”

“We are really happy that they are doing the trial in Leeds because originally we were told there was nothing available in England.”

“She probably will still have to go to America. The trial in Leeds is clinical trial stage one, but the ones in America go to clinical trial stage three.”

Recent fundraising events include a St Patrick’s day dinner dance and beauty evening at the Tricia Winter Beauty Salon in North Anston.

Carole said: “I am absolutely astounded by the generosity has been amazing.”

“We haven’t got all the total from the St Patrick’s day event but the auction alone has raised £11,720.”

“There were nearly 300 people there. We had around 100 raffle and auction prizes including a guitar signed by Amy Whinehouse which raised £2,000.”

Gillian Hill, who owns the Tricia Winter Beauty Salon with Julie Morrissey, said they raised £1,530 which will be used to buy a Center Parcs voucher for Niamh and her family.

“It was a fabulous evening. The staff came in and painted nails and toes and we also sold coffee and cakes.”

“Alot of the clients baked and we sold all their baking as well.”

“About 100 people came through the doors.”

“Carole (Niamh’s grandmother) worked at the salon for 13 years before she left two years ago so we’ve known Niamh since she was a baby.”

On Saturday afternoon a charity rugby match is being held at Dinnington Rugby Club where Niamh’s brother plays regularly in the under 11 squad.

Teams made up of players, parents and coaches will take to the field at 1pm.

There will also be face painting, a raffle, auction, refreshments, bouncy castle and lots of other stalls.

The activities will continue around the Dinnington Firsts match against Pocklington at 3pm.

Gates open at 12.30pm and admission is £3 per car including programme and raffle tickets.

Visit www.hopeforniamh.co.uk for details on all fundraising events.