A CARING band of Wee County fundraisers have taken part in a charity colour run to help raise much-needed cash for Lachlan Morris.

The eight-year-old suffers from severe cerebral palsy and needs specially-adapted equipment – some of which can cost thousands.

Parents Paul and Susan launched an online campaign to try and raise the £20,000 required to support Lachlan, and have already received some fantastic support from the community.

Friends and family, some of which are half way around the world, have been digging deep for the cause, while groups such as the masonic lodge in Alloa and Tesco have also held events of their own.

Last month Gillian Smith, a friend of the family, and a group of eight little helpers took on the Colour Race at the SECC last month, raising hundreds in the process.

One of the youngsters taking part was Lachlan’s younger brother Donald, who only a few months ago was struck down by a serious debilitating medical condition which left him unable to walk.

Gillian told the Advertiser: “The kids loved it; they were some colour by the end of the race.

“We’ve actually raised about £1000 so far. They really have been great little fundraisers.

“It was just something I thought we could do to help Lachlan’s campaign. He needs specially-adapted equipment around the house and these things can cost a lot of money.

“Everyone has a right to have the things they need and I’d encourage anyone to get involved in raising money for this cause.”

It has been a testing few months for the family as Donald became seriously ill at Christmastime.

The five-year-old caught the flu and his condition quickly deteriorated and led to the development of encephalitis – a rare inflammation of the brain.
He fell into a coma, and was effectively paralysed when he finally opened his eyes.

Over the next four months, he had to learn how to talk and walk again – but last month completed a three-mile run for his brother.

There has been a series of fundraising activities arranged for Lachlan recently, from a sponsored football match between Tesco and Asda, to a bake sale held in Alloa last weekend which raised around £600.

Some children in America, whose parents are friends of the family, also raised some money by hosting a lemonade stall.

However, much more is needed if the family are to reach the £20,000 target needed.

Mum Susan said: “There is so much going on just now, but I really would like to say how surprised and grateful we are that so many people have offered to help.

“Particularly, Laura Arnott at Tesco. I hadn’t met her before but she has gone well out of her way to be so helpful and kind and we are thankful for that.”

Lachlan has choreoathetoid quadriplegic cerebral palsy, which affects his whole body and every limb.

As a result, the youngster can’t sit up, stand, dress himself, go to the toilet, eat or speak without help or equipment.

His family need a height-adjustable bath, which can cost between £6,000-£8,000 on top of the 20 per cent contribution from the local authority.

Also required is a specialist supportive armchair and an off-road wheelchair, with bike attachments – both £2,800 each – along with a £2,500 back-up eye-gaze device and tablet so he can communicate.

To make a donation to the fund, visit www.gofundme.com/lachlan morris

His parents also run a Facebook page in his name – at www.face book.com/whatlachlansays – where the public can keep up to date with Lachlan’s story and all the the fundraising efforts going on.