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Colin Ketteringham reaches appeal fund target to send family to Walt Disney World
Photo: SM010812-005ow Colin Ketteringham and family, from Bourne. Colin has multiple system atrophy and is hoping to raise enough money to take his family on holiday to Disney World in Florida. Colin and wife Louise with children, from left, Chloe, seven, Harry, 17 months, Jack, seven, and George, eight.
A TERMINALLY ill father has achieved his dream of raising the funds to take his family on the holiday of a lifetime.
Colin Ketteringham, 50, of Daisy Court, Bourne, pledged to take his wife Louise, 36, and children George, eight, twins Jack and Chloe, seven, and Harry, 16 months, to Walt Disney World in Florida after he was diagnosed with multiple system atrophy last year.
Colin’s doctor gave him just three years to live after diagnosing the degenerative condition, which affects nerve cells in the brain leading to loss of movement and bodily functions.
The Bourne and District Lions Club set up the Ketteringham Holiday of a Lifetime Fund to help Colin take his family to Florida and the fund stood at about £7,600 until Friday, when the Ketteringhams appeared on ITV’s This Morning.
Presenters John Barrowman and Kate Thornton surprised the family by telling them that Thomson Holidays had agreed to make up the remaining funds and make their dream of going to Walt Disney World a reality.
Colin was keen to reach his target before undergoing a high-risk operation to ease his pain on August 21.
He said: “I feel absolutely ecstatic. It has been a phenomenal response to the appeal.
“I thought it would take months and months to reach the target. But this gives me something to focus on going in to the operation.
“I want to go on holiday with my family and it has given me the will to fight. I am a fighter anyway but this is an extra boost.”
Donations to the fund have come from a wide range of businesses, charities and individuals, including £4,000 from the Bourne and District Round Table.
Colin added: “I haven’t got the words to express my thanks to everyone who has donated.
“The Lions and the Round Table have been so helpful. And without Thomson we couldn’t have done it.”
Richard O’Neill, of Thomson Holidays, said: ‘We hope Mr Ketteringham and his family have a fantastic holiday in Florida.
“We are delighted that we are able to help make this a reality for the family.”
More fundraising events are planned for this month, including a skydive by friends and family and a sealed auction.
The full list of prizes is as follows:
VIP pass for 4 people to The Sugar Hut night club in Brentwood, made famous by The Only Way Is Essex
18 holes of golf for four people at Toft Country House Hotel and Golf Club
Rustic ritual spa experience at The Grange Spa, Pointon
One-off pair of stunning shoes designed by Sarah Cawood and Upper Street in London (size 3)
Fantastic designer baby outfit (6-12 months) by Bonnie Baby of London, including cotton and cashmere hat, cardigan & blanket
One-to-one spiritual reading with medium Gail Bristow
Signed Peterborough United FC Shirt
30 Mins Party Mascot visit from Party Mascots in Bourne
24hr Minnie Mouse costume from Party Mascots in Bourne
Tea for two at Cup n’ Cakes in Maret Deeping
Voucher offering balloon on a stick for 10 children and helium balloon for birthday girl/boy from V & S Balloons in Bourne
Laughter yoga session for a children’s party or communal group from Bourne to Laugh
One treatment of choice from Nightingales Holistics
Floral 9in round cake (chocolate or plain sponge with jam and butter filling) from Cake Baby
Two hour children’s disco (in the Bourne area) from Small Venue Discos
Three treatments of choice from Healing Grace Holistics
Six eyebrow threading treatments from Louise Dunthorne Therapies
Half hour private taster session for one dog and handler from MJS Agility
£25 Tesco voucher
No7 goodie bag from Laura Haynes
Cut and blow dry at Planet Hair in Grantham
One hour ironing service in the Bourne area from Mel Ronan
One hour 30 mins cleaning in the Bourne area from Gems Domestic Cleaning
Bids will be taken until midnight on Saturday next week. To submit a bid, e-mail gailebristow@tiscali.co.uk
Winners will be contacted.
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Sunday 26 May 2013
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