Calendar poses major push for poorly Jake

STAFF at Alfords Garden Centre are putting together a calendar to raise money for severely disabled boy Jake Fynn Desmond-O'Brien.

As reported, five-year-old Jake, from Cleethorpes, suffers from the extremely rare genetic disorder Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.

He cannot walk, talk or control his movements, suffers from curvature of the spine and often has to be fed through a stomach tube.

Craig Champion struts his stuff for the calendar appeal.

A group of local charitable organisations have taken up his cause, and are hoping to raise £20,000 to provide Jake with a powered wheelchair, safe play area and specially-adapted swing.

The total money raised towards that target now stands at an estimated £13,000.

Staff from Alfords Garden Centre are making a charity calendar to raise money for Jake Desmond-O'Brien. Pictured are (from left) Adam Cooper, Elaine Stephen, Jenny Williamson, Kim Blackwell and Craig Champion.

Alford's horticulturist Tina Harrison was touched by Jake's story reported in the Grimsby Telegraph and put forward the idea of helping to reach the £20,000 target to her colleagues.

She said: "It is sad for a young lad like that he can't have somewhere safe to play – which is something you'd usually take for granted.

Caroline Desmond- O’Brian comforts her son Jake, who suffers from Lesch- Nyhan.

"When I saw the story about Jake I cried it was so touching.

"We all felt we had to do something to help."

Adam Cooper and Tina Harrison in costume.

As well as the calendar, Alfords are holding to fundraising days: On Sunday, November 23 there is an Alfords fun day, admission 30p; and on Saturday, December 13 there is a family entertainment day, tickets cost £2.50.

For more information, contact Alfords on (01472) 277715.