A FAMILY fun day to raise funds for two children with special needs has raised £2,760.

The event, which as held at The Sun Inn in Pickering, was organised to raise funds for three-year-old Ruby Sugars and seven-year-old William Chambers, who have complex medical needs.

Ruby, who lives in Pickering, has a very rare genetic syndrome which affects her speech, motor development and long-term sight.

William, of Marton, has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and severe global development delay in addition to other complex medical issues.

Both families are raising funds for therapy and specialist equipment. Ruby is in need of an off-road buggy to enable her to accompany her nursery friends on walks to the woods with Sinnington Playgroup.

William’s family has already part-raised the money needed to build him a much-needed hydrotherapy room at home. A fundraising drive for William’s pool was launched in April and aims to raise £10,000.

His mum, Joanna, said: “We raised a superb £2,760 at the fun day. The day was blessed with sunshine and the community came out in force to support us.

“We had amazing donations and prizes from more local businesses than I can name and some fantastic individual donations such as one from the owners of The Sun.

“Ryedale Lions ran a successful name the lion competition and the children were able to bounce for free all day on the bouncy castle courtesy of Peter Nelson of Nelson Fitness.”

Joanna said so far the fundraising appeal for William had raised £8,200 with the next event an aeroberthon on October 28. “The event will be held from 9am to 1pm at St Albans Sports Centre, in Ampleforth, and include four aerobic sessions back to back delivered by qualified personal trainers,” she said.

“Each completed session enters you into the prize draw raffle so people can see how many they can complete.”

A minimum sponsorship is £40 is required for all sessions or £10 for an individual session. Sponsor forms available from Emma Leonard on 07976 548001 or Joanne Chambers at joannachambers389@gmail.com