Disabled woman raises cash for child with cerebral palsy

Seven-year-old Francesca Powell from Stoneham Close will soon have a new walking frame after a fundraising effort which collected 1,700.

The new frame will help Francesca move more freely and, in the long-term, improve her health.

The cash was raised by Shirley Philp, 70, from Harvard Close, who completed a sponsored trip to Hove in her mobility vehicle.

She took three-and-a-quarter hours to complete the 11-and-a-half mile journey.

Shirley has suffered a heart attack and a spinal stroke in the past year.

She was exhausted by her challenge but said it was well worth the effort.

'It was wonderful. It was a lovely day which was great because I'd been worried about doing it in the pouring rain.

'We started at the Pells Pool where the mayor and my friends saw me off.

'We travelled on the pavement and on bike lanes all the way to the Steine in Brighton and then went along the seafront.'

Shirley raised more than 750 in just two weeks (including 150 sent in by Express readers) and this week has received the welcome news that Lewes-based building firm JS Cheesmur will meet the rest of the costs needed to pay for the frame.