Thomas, this is just for you

ALL smiles: Thomas Lees

FRIENDS and family of a much-loved youngster have rallied round in his hour of need.

Thomas Lees, of Diggle, was born prematurely and suffers from cerebral palsy, but his lively spirit has spurred a raft of support from his friends, who are putting on a charity night in his honour.

Austerlands Cricket Club will be brought alive with music and laughter on Saturday in a bid to raise £5,000 for the 10-year-old.

The family car is running out of room, so friends hope the cash will enable them to buy a specially-adapted vehicle to make daily life easier.

The event, dubbed Just For Thomas, will see local singing stars WKD, Nina G, Amy Henthorn and many more take to the stage from 7pm until late.

A bonanza auction with dozens of prizes, including a helicopter ride and signed sport memorabilia, will help boost the final figure.

Organiser Steven Nicholls, who is also Thomas’s godfather, said: “He is a great kid. A lot of people wouldn’t be able to cope with the stresses and strains so hopefully this will make life a little easier. We’ve had so many people running around trying to get things sorted, it should be a brilliant night.”

A fundraising cruise to Blackpool on Friday evening is also planned to help raise even more cash for the cause. Drivers will take to the famous seaside town with fundraising buckets and banners to publicise the cause.

Entry to Saturday’s event is £5 on the door (under-16s free). Contact Paul on 07971-534-015 to help the cause.