Fun day raises cash for Grayson

lstafford@thekmgroup.co.uk A fun day held in honour of a boy who cannot talk or walk brought smiles to the faces of more than a dozen disabled children on Sunday.

Grayson’s Great Fun Day, which aimed to raise money for equipment for four-year-old Grayson Spencer, attracted more than 80 people to Bishopsbourne.

Activities included face-painting, stalls, a tombola, soft play area, a bouncy castle and a raffle of prizes donated by firms from across Kent.

The event was organised by Grayson’s parents Kara, 32, and Ashley, 36, of Nackington Lane, Canterbury, who are on a crusade to raise awareness of difficulties faced by children like Grayson with undiagnosed conditions.

As well as the daily struggles they experience, the Spencer family face a battle to obtain help and equipment for Grayson, which is often not provided by the NHS.

A similar event last year raised enough money to buy Grayson an adapted trike that strengthened his legs and enabled him to stand – something doctors did not expect him to ever be able to do.

Kara, a part-time accounts manager, said: “We were very pleased with how the fun day went. The turn-out was good and the weather stayed nice, despite the rain on Saturday.

“We had a lot more disabled children come along this year, who enjoyed the soft play area and other activities. It was great, because there’s not usually as much for them to do at these kinds of events. Grayson in particular had a good day.”

The event raised almost £900, which will go towards buying a special needs walker that could help Grayson learn to walk.

Some of the proceeds go to the charity SWAN UK (Syndromes Without A Name) and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. An online auction is due to be held for the cause on Sunday of items including vouchers and children’s clothes. For details, see graysonsgfd.blogspot.co.uk