If it's OK...

A chance to indulge yourself before Lent on Sunday 19 February

...I would just like to mention a fundraising drive that we are launching in Horsham for our 16 year old daughter Aila.  I think most Crawley Circle members know that Aila suffers from Friedreich's Ataxia, a degenerative neurological condition that is gradually robbing her of her balance, co-ordination and mobility, as well as affecting her speech and heart.  At the moment her bedroom and the only WC in our house are both upstairs and so we have obtained planning permission to build her a downstairs bedroom and bathroom, as negotiating the stairs is becoming increasingly difficult for her, not to say potentially dangerous.  Unfortunately we have a considerable shortfall in funding for this and - whilst other avenues such as charitable grants are being explored - we are going to have to raise at least some of the money for ourselves.

A fabulous group of friends including members of St John's Pro Life Group have got together and helped us launch "Aila's Fund" which will comprise a series of fundraising events. We are incredibly grateful for the time and energy they are expending to help Aila.  We're starting modestly with a cake and homemade cards sale to be held after 9am Mass at St John's RC church hall on Sunday 19 February so please do pop along!  There will also be a chance to have a professional standard photograph taken of yourself or your family at very reasonable price, upstairs in the church hall on Saturday 24 March.  This is by appointment and details will be available shortly.

You can read more over at St John's Pro Life.

Above all, Aila would be most grateful for your prayers.  Thank you.