A WHEELCHAIR appeal for a brave four-year-old boy is nearing its target thanks to the generosity of residents.

Little Jonty Smith, of Pershore, needs a new powered chair so he can keep up with his school friends.

With a new chair costing £7,146, his parents Jane and Ian launched a public appeal for help after raising the first £1,000 themselves.

Now, after a huge effort from strangers, friends and well-wishers, the appeal pot is just a few hundred pounds away from the target total of £6,500.

Highlights of the main campaign drive are a sponsored walk on Sunday and a half-term fund-raising fair on Wednesday, October 27.

Jonty’s proud mum Jane Keen-Smith said at times she had been brought to tears by people’s generosity, including a man who handed the family a cheque for £1,000 in the middle of the town’s Asda car park. The appeal was only launched on Thursday, September 9.

“We had the man in the car park whose cheque brought me and Ian to tears,” she said. “We’ve had businesses come on board, other people, somebody has run a marathon and we’ve just had the most amazing levels of support.

“I think he’s the best advertisement for his case,” she said.

“He never lets anything faze him, never lets anything get him down. He’s all there, he just isn’t the best on the physical side, which is why he needs the wheelchair.”

Jonty suffers from cerebral palsy, epilepsy and left hemiplegia – meaning the limbs of his left side are severely weakened. He is due to get his final measurement for the chair this week, after which an order can be placed.

The family are confident that the chair could arrive by the start of December, making it the perfect Christmas present for Jonty.

Supporters can back a 10-mile sponsored walk starting at 10am from the Coach and Horses at Pinvin.

Meanwhile, the fair and raffle are being held from 10am at the Pershore Naval Social Club at 47a High Street, with top prizes including a trip to the West Midland Safari Park and Worcester Warriors match tickets and Cath Kidston goodies. For appeal information visit wheelchairforjonty.webs.com