Fun day raises thousands for Lily’s helpers
AN UP HOLLAND family has raised thousands of pounds for their sick toddler. One-year-old Lily-Mae Esfandiary-Bilvee suffers from Cockayne syndrome, a genetic condition that only effects one in 500,000 children. Since discovering her diagnosis four months ago Lily-Mae’s family have been supported by Amy and Friends, a charity that specialises in the rare disorder. They decided to help the charity by hosting their own family fun day at Holland Hall. The event made £2,450.
Sue Hodson, Lily-Mae’s grandmother, said: “It was a fantastic day. Everyone in the community seemed to pull together. We didn’t expect to raise as much as we did.”
About 600 people turned up to the free event with the local fire brigade and police taking part.
Local business stalls, a party fun bus and a mountain monkey frame were among the distractions keeping children and adults entertained.
An auction also took place with a Lake District holiday going for £150.
Sue said: “I think Lily-Mae was overwhelmed. She can get a bit teary with strangers but as soon as she saw someone she knew, she was all smiles. It was amazing.”
The event was so sucessful, the family has decided to make the event a yearly occasion.
A Facebook group has been set up for Lily-Mae for those who want to track her progress – go to @lilymaesstory.