Staff and customers of the local Tesco store have been working hard to raise much-needed funds for local boy, Henry, as the total for his life- changing surgery grows – thanks to the local community.

Over the past four months, Tesco staff have managed to raise a massive £5,150.74, led by Tesco Community Champion, Beckie Eschle.

With ‘dress up days’, Fay White, (Service Manager), giving up her phone for 24 hours with no internet/ social media, and the proceeds of the charity book- case all raising money, the grand total has been donated to the Helping Henry fund.

Henry has had a fantastic time being part of the Tesco family and looked forward to joining staff in store on dress

up days, alongside Bessie Eschle and Charlie Simcox, who gave up their time to help with fundraising.

Tesco would like to thank two customers who made anonymous donations, which boosted the amount raised.

Beckie said: “On behalf of Tesco, I would like thank all of our staff and customers for the kind and generous donations, and helping to raise this fantastic total.”

Henry, a six-year-old boy from Midsomer Norton, suffers from Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia, which affects his ability to stand or walk unaided. Although Henry is primarily happy and constantly smiling, he is also in daily pain and discomfort, caused by his leg muscles constantly tightening.

Since his diagnosis at twelve months old, Henry has recieved weekly therapy which teaches him the skills to sit, crawl, walk with a walker and now he is learning to walk with sticks and grow his stamina.

To help Henry be in less discomfort, he needs life-changing spinal surgery (Selective Dorsal Rhizo- tomy) and intensive ther- apy for the next three years to give him the best chance of improving his comfort and mobility. In order to have the operation, Henry’s family have to pay £65,000.

Most of this money is coming from fundraisers in the local community. So far, they have managed to raise £39,856 of the total sum.

This amount can only continue to increase with the support of local people, businesses and fundraising events. A recent concert by the Jenny Peplow Singers and Kilmersdon CofE Choir also helped to raise a

huge £1,165.36.

A sponsored firewalk is taking place on Friday, 10th April at Prattens, Westfield. Participants will walk fifteen feet over burning hot embers to raise money for Henry. Anyone is welcome to take on the challenge, with all proceeds going towards Henry’s operation later this year.

Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/firewalk-for-helping- henry-tickets-77613466969

Further fundraising events for Helping Henry can be found on Helping Henry Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ HelpingHenry6/

To donate to the cause, visit: https://www.just giving.com/campaigns/ charity/just4children/ helpinghenry