Raffle appeal just the ticket for Shane

RALLYING round: Gill and John Keating with four-year-old son Shane

A COMMUNITY is rallying to help a little boy whose devastating diagnosis sent shockwaves through his family.

Four-year-old Shane Keating, from High Crompton, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy — the most serious form of the condition which causes progressive muscle weakness — last year.

But determined to get over the terrible news, family and friends are now ploughing their energies into raising as much money as possible to buy the specialist equipment the bubbly youngster will eventually need.

Hot on the heels of his uncle Colin Keating’s mammoth mountain climb in Morocco, Shane’s mum Gill and dad John have organised a charity night to boost the coffers.

The evening of entertainment at High Crompton Conservative Club on Friday, February 17, is already sold out but Gill is still on the look out for raffle prizes.

“After Colin’s mountain trek the family decided we want to do some more fundraising to put towards buying the things Shane will eventually need,” said Gill, of Dorset Avenue.

“If anyone can donate any raffle prizes we’d be really grateful.”

Gill says it was Shane’s nursery at St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Shaw, which first flagged up there might be a problem.

“When we first found out Shane had muscular dystrophy it was devastating beyond belief,” said Gill.

“What do you do when you discover your child might not live beyond their 20s? You just have to live each day as it comes and enjoy every day you have with them.

“Hopefully Shane will have time on his side and maybe they will develop medication to help him in years to come.”

Although Shane, described as a “really happy little boy”, is currently well, his condition is expected to deteriorate from the age of seven onwards.

If anyone can donate raffle prizes, they should call Gill on 07956-405 447.

Prizes so far include vouchers for Nandos, Smyths toy shop, overnight stays at the Village Hotel, in Ashton, Swithins Hairdressers, in Shaw, a Manchester City stadium tour, a signed photo from Manchester United and tickets for both Latics and Rochdale games.