IN just one week, readers of the SNJ have raised more than £1,000 to help a little boy's dream of walking unaided come true.


James Dwight's Wish to Walk Appeal is gathering pace and when added to earlier donations the total now stands at £2,300.


Nine-year-old James suffers from a form of cerebral palsy, which causes tightening in the muscles of his legs, leaving him in pain and unable to walk without the aid of a walker.


The SNJ is supporting his family in their bid to raise £35,000 for life-changing surgery, which is not available on the NHS.


James lives in Arlingham with his father Jai, who left his job last year to be a full-time carer for his son.


He has a half-sister, Lorna, 18, who lives with their mother Rebecca in Brockworth and he also has another half-sister, Megan, 16, and a half-brother, Joshua, two.


Besides asking readers to donate money, the SNJ is encouraging people to organise fundraising events.


RADA trained actress Daphne Neville was so touched by James' story that she is offering SNJ readers the chance to get up and close to her pet otters.


Daphne has become well known in the Five Valleys for hand-rearing the cute creatures at her home in Frampton Mansell.
 

Readers will be able to meet Belinda and Rudi - her two Asian small-clawed companions - at a minimum donation of £10 with all proceeds going straight to the appeal.
 

If you would like to visit the otters call Daphne on 01285 760234.

 

* If you would like to organise a fundraising event for James, contact Hayley Mortimer on 01453 769423 or email hayley.mortimer@stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk

* To support James Dwight's Wish to Walk Appeal text JAMD47£(amount) to 70070, contact Caudwell Children on 01782 600867 or donate online at www.justgiving.com/jamesdwightswishtowalk

* Alternatively, cheques made payable to Caudwell Children can be sent to Stroud News & Journal, 6 Lansdown, Stroud, GL5 1BE or dropped into reception. Make sure you write James Dwight on the back of the cheque.