AN ALLOA family has inspired pupils at Redwell Primary School to raise £400 for Little People UK (LPUK).

Primary four pupil Korben Finch (8) has a little brother, Kristian Gray, who has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia.

The school was moved to raise money for the charity LPUK – which offers support to people with dwarfism and their loved ones – after hearing how the 22-month-old and his family had benefited from it.

Depute head teacher, Mrs Gillian Ward, said: “At Redwell Primary, our pupil council chose to support the work of Little People UK by hosting a non-uniform day during Dwarfism Awareness Month.

“We raised a grand total of £400. As part of our fundraising calendar of events, the children have chosen charities that are meaningful to Redwell families. We are delighted that we can play our part in raising awareness of Little People UK and the wonderful support they have given to Nicole and her family.” LPUK promotes positive awareness in society and the media, helping to eradicate negative connotations associated with short stature.

It looks at attitude and appropriate language, like the use of offensive words such as ‘midget’, and works with medical professionals, educators and employers to support individuals throughout their entire life.

The family first got involved with the charity over a year ago and have found it offers a great support network.

Mum Nicole Barrett (26) said: “Kristian is your average little boy, just more little than most. He’s healthy, strong and very mischievous. We are very lucky that he hasn’t had any of the complications that can be associated with achondroplasia such as hydrocephalus (excess fluid on the brain) or central sleep apnoea although he does need to have regular reviews at Yorkhill Children’s Hospital to keep an eye on everything.

“As a family, we attended our first LPUK event when Kristian was seven months old. We felt it was also important for Korben, Kristian’s older brother, to experience meeting other children and adults with dwarfism. We all made so many friends at LPUK, both small and tall and have been to three events since.

“We were so pleased when Redwell Primary School, where Kristian’s older brother Korben is in P4, agreed to do a fundraiser for Little People UK as October is Dwarfism Awareness Month and Little People UK is so important to us.” To find out more about the charity please visit www.littlepeopleuk.org