FUNDRAISERS of all ages are backing Louby’s Lifeline with events ranging from school plays to golf days.

West Heslerton Primary School donated money raised through ticket sales from their production of The Little Mermaid to the appeal.

Pupils spent a week working with performance poet Dave Webb writing their own version of the play which included a mixture of drama, song and audience participation.

Headteacher Rachel Wells said the children had enjoyed working on their own production and it had been greatly enjoyed by parents and friends.

“We chose to donate the money raised through ticket sales to Louby’s Lifeline as this is an appeal close to us at school as Laura spent time here on work experience.”

Asda supermarket in Norton has also donated £300 to the appeal.

Gary Davies, store manager, said: “Louby’s Lifeline is a fantastic charity which the colleagues and I wanted to get behind and support as soon as we heard about it. We have all been moved by Laura’s story and she’s been inspirational in setting up this appeal to help others who have had a similar experience to her.

“We’re always keen to hear more about charities and organisations which are doing a great job for the community and, with our arrival, we want to support them so they can continue the work they do.

“We’re passionate about playing our part in community life and want to acknowledge and assist the people doing a fantastic job to improve life for Malton’s residents.”

Malton and Norton Golf Club held this year’s Christmas draw in aid of the Louby’s Lifeline Appeal.

Assistant secretary Emma Newman said Laura’s stepfather, Neil Sample, was a member and had approached the club to see if there was anything they could do to help.

“The club committee agreed that we would run a prize draw which would be drawn on the afternoon of the club’s annual Carols in the Clubhouse social event,” she said.

“Louby and her family kindly took time out to attend this event and a staggering £1,000 was raised.”

Emma added: “The club would like to thank all the members who gave prizes and the many local businesses who so generously donated goods and services to raise money for this most worthy cause.

Those who donated prizes for the event include Ray Chapman Motors, B Leefe & Sons, Florios, the Derwent Arms, Moorland & Steam Garden Centre, Pickering, Capplemans of Pickering Robert E Fuller, M Brooks, head pro, Malton and Norton Golf Club, E Burdett, assistant pro, Malton and Norton Golf Club, G & LM Cox Ltd, Malton and Norton Golf Club caterers, Wallis Business Services, Elcock Power Tools, Jazz Hair Studio, Tate Smith Ltd and Sandburn Hall Golf Club.

Emma added: “In the current economic climate it was good to know that so many people were prepared to dig deep into their pockets to help raise such a fantastic sum of money.”

Forthcoming events include a band night at the Fleece pub in Rillington on January 28 when Star Box will be playing.

The evening starts at 9pm and there will also be a raffle.

The Rotary Club of Malton and Norton has thrown its support behind Louby’s Lifeline with proceeds from next year’s annual charity golf day to be divided between the appeal and Yorkshire Cancer Research.

The golf day, which will be held on Tuesday, June 12, is to be called The Malton Masters and has a first prize of £200.

Anyone who would like to sponsor the golf day or enter a team can phone John Howard on 01653 693513, or email john@jmhoward.co.uk