JUST two weeks after we launched the Craig Evans Wheelchair Appeal, almost a seventh of the money needed has been raised.

On Monday, appeal director Jean Leathwaite said so far readers had dug deep and donated £1,437, which includes the £40 she raised from a second raffle at The Dog pub.

The Webheath woman has joined forces with the Advertiser in a bid to buy a £10,000 powered wheelchair for Craig, a severely disabled Winyates man.

Last Tuesday, she met Craig at his Mordiford Close home for the first time.

"We cannot stress how important it is that we get this wheelchair for Craig.

"He is desperately in need and we still have a considerable amount to raise," said Mrs Leathwaite.

"At the moment, he is being carried everywhere and needs to get the wheelchair to have a better quality of life."

This week, she thanked Woolworths, The Body Shop, Yates's Wine Lodge and The Dog for raffle prizes and wheelchair providers KeepAble, who have offered to knock £500 off the price.

"I'd really like to hear from volunteers who can help with collection boxes and fundraising," she added.

Meanwhile, Helen Curtis is still busy organising the forthcoming appeal fun-day but is desperate to hear from people who can lay on food and drinks stalls.

"I am thinking that it would be best to hold the day in July, after the World Cup and when the schools have broken up," she said.

"But it isn't up to me. It is up to the people of Redditch, which is why I urge people to come along to the meeting next Tuesday and let me know what kind of day they want. Anyone with ideas can also call me on 459465."

The meeting will be held at the Tenacres Meeting Rooms in Quibury Close from 7.30pm.

Residents can still pay in their donations at HSBC bank in Church Green quoting either 40-38-07 51793330 or the Craig Evans Wheelchair Appeal.

Or you can send marked donations to 17 Corner Lane, Webheath, Redditch B97 5WP or call 401782.