Bid to send Chloe on a Florida trip
FOR HER DREAM HOLIDAY
KIND-HEARTS are raising money to help a poorly child go on the trip of a lifetime to Disney World in Florida.
Chloe Rowland, eleven, from Audenshaw, has never flown before because she has a medical condition which means she has difficulty breathing.
But a charity is raising cash so medics can accompany her on the flight to the US.
Chloe’s dad Colin, 36, said: “The trip would be a dream come true for Chloe. She loves Disney and has always wanted to meet the characters.”
Chloe is one of 25 youngsters from around the country who have been selected for the charity’s annual Destination Dreams scheme where a team of doctors and volunteers accompany the children and their families on a holiday. Because of all the care needed to take ill children overseas, the costs of such trips can be high. Chloe’s trip will cost £12,000.
“I really love all the Disney characters, to the extent that I watch Disney whenever I’m poorly to make me feel better,” wrote Chloe on her Just Giving page.
She went on: “Mum and dad were told by doctors that I can’t go on a flight without medical help, because on a plane the cabin pressure is greater and oxygen is thinner.”
Chloe and her family have been on holidays to Skegness, Blackpool and the Norfolk Broads, but she has never been abroad.
She has restrictive lung disease, which means her lungs are prevented from expanding fully so she has difficulty breathing. She also has a fused spine and torticollis, which is a twisted and tilted neck.
Because of this, she requires oxygen at night and needs to use an electric wheelchair as she can only walk small distances.
Her mum, Sarah, 33, told the M.E.N: “Chloe can’t fly without doctors because she has low oxygen levels constantly so she has never been on a plane before.”
The funds for her trip are being raised by Caudwell Children, a charity offering support to disabled children and their families, by selling tickets from £75 for its fifth annual ‘Ladies Lunch’ in Knutsford.
The charity’s event manager Sam Walker said the event needs more support from business people in order to guarantee they reach their £12,000 target for Chloe’s trip: “We need people who are happy to share their knowledge and are comfortable in promoting the event to their network of contacts. If you volunteer your services on our committee, and help us to sell tables, secure sponsors, source raffle prizes and promote the event, you will be helping Chloe and her family make magical memories together that will last a lifetime.”
The first committee meeting will take place at the Mere Gold Resort and Spa from 3-5pm on Monday 16th July. If you are interested in joining the committee and helping to make Chloe’s dream come true, ring Hannah Boote on 01782 433755 or email Hannah. boote@caudwellchildren.com