THE people of Otley are pulling together to raise funds for an African girl's life-changing operation.

Fundraising events already under way for the Grace Mbuthia Appeal, co-ordinated by Otley man Colin Claxton, of Wrenbeck Drive.

Grace is a teenager in Kenya and suffers from congenital scoliosis of the spine, meaning that her spine is twisted, causing her skeleton to distort in shape.

Mr Claxton has committed his time and effort to raise the funds to bring Grace to Otley so she can have a remedial operation in Leeds.

Mr Claxton's own daughter suffered from scoliosis of the spine until an operation helped her to lead a normal life and when he met Grace and her family while on holiday in Kenya, he decided to try and give her the same chance.

With an estimated total of £17,000 needed for the operation, Mr Claxton is delighted that the fund, including pledges, currently stands at £16,000. He said: "It is wonderful. It is not only the big donations, but also the small ones that make the whole. Whatever the amount is, it is still a few pounds less to find. I am just thrilled as to how it comes together. I have had some communication from Swaziland. The Church which Grace and her parents attend gave their Easter offering which comes to around £600."

Mr Claxton is now applying for a visa for Grace so that she can travel to Britain.

Children from Otley All Saints C of E Junior School at North Parade have helped out with the fund, raising around £60 from the sale of sweets and donations with the help of teacher Michelle Smallshaw.

The latest fundraising event for Grace is a Kenya Contrasts Slide Show to be held at Newall Church Hall at Newall Carr, Otley on Tuesday at 7.30pm. Tickets (£2) are available from Fred and Carmen Horner on (01943) 465492 or 465299. Mr Claxton is on (01943) 463414.

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