TV star Lorraine’s donation to help raise funds for playpark

£60,000 being raised for facilities for disabled children at the North Inch, Perth

A fund for a sick Perth youngster is being boosted thanks to the generosity of television star Lorraine Kelly.

Maisie Wilkie suffers from cerebral palsy and her mother Claire has started a fund to raise the £60,000 needed to create facilities for disabled children at the playpark on Perth’s North Inch.

This will enable Maisie and other children with disabilities to enjoy what a playpark has to offer because at present they have to travel outside Perth for specialist equipment.

Lorraine has donated a dress for a prize draw to help the cause.

So far, more than £5,000 has been brought in and a netball event at Perth College on Sunday will generate even more cash.

Lianne Gibb, one of the organisers of the event, said: “We heard Lorraine was good at supporting causes and so emailed ITV and asked if she would like to give us something for our prize draw.

“We were shocked but absolutely delighted when she sent up a dress and a signed copy of her book.

“The dress was carefully wrapped up and arrived by post. It really is lovely and some lucky person will end up with it.”

Claire said: “I am really happy, overwhelmed in fact, that Lorraine has done this to raise funds for my wee girl.

“Lorraine is a big star with a real heart of gold.”

Other personnel and businesses are also donating to the prize draw.

Perth College, where the netball event is being held, has given the premises free of charge and has donated a family voucher for its climbing wall.

Lianne added: “We hope to bring in around £2,000 on the day.

“As well as the tournament, we have various stalls so there is plenty to interest folk.”

Maisie attends Fairview School in Perth and the nearest playparks with facilities for her and other children with similar disabilities are in Dunfermline and St Andrews.

Anyone wishing to donate to the fund Claire has set up can do so by visiting gofundme.com/helpmaisieplay

To enter the prize draw, and be in with a chance of winning Lorraine’s dress, email pknetballnetwork@gmail.com

The dress was carefully wrapped up and arrived by post. It really is lovely and some lucky person will end up with it

Picture: Steve MacDougall. Maisie suffers from cerebral palsy and her mum Claire hopes to raise money for specialist equipment so that she can enjoy the playpark along with other children.