Boxers help make a better bathtime

A boxing display by members of a gym run by former European and Commonwealth boxing champion Esham Pickering helped raise more than £400 towards a special bath for a disabled youngster.

The display was part of a fundraising day at the Everyday Champions Church, Newark.

The money will help pay for a bath with spa bubbles and lights for eight-year-old Alanna Brown, of Wolsey Road, Newark.

Alanna will use the bath each night to help relax her muscles.

Alanna was born four months early. The night after her birth she had a brain haemorrhage that has has left her with serious medical problems including cerebral palsy, epilepsy and scoliosis of the spine.

Her mother, Miss Lisa Brown, said now Alanna was older and heavier she could not get her upstairs to the bathroom.

Newark and Sherwood Homes has agreed to build a downstairs bathroom extension but Miss Brown needs to find the money for the therapeutic bath.

The company supplying it has offered Miss Brown a £600 discount but she still needs to raise £1,500 before the end of January.

Alanna has a weekly bath at Caudwell House, Southwell, which provides respite care for youngsters with serious disabilities.

“It would make so much difference if she could have a bath each night at home,” said Miss Brown.

“ Once she is in the warm water it takes the tension away from her muscles and she can relax.”

There will be a collection at a boxing tournament being organised by Esham Pickering at Newark Showground on December 17.

Donations can also be mad made at the Advertiser offices or by contacting Miss Brown on 07808 858150.