DREAMS really can come true... with the help of family, friends and Wirral Globe readers. In an appeal that touched the hearts of thousands, 'Little Miss Courage' Helen Sykes, of Eastham, has received her brand new electric wheelchair far earlier than she had ever anticipated.

Nineteen-year-old Helen's mobility had become so seriously affected by her condition - she was born with abnormally short limbs (Achondraplasia) - that staff and fellow pupils at South Wirral High School launched an ambitious £3,500 appeal to buy Helen a desperately-needed set of motorised wheels.

On learning of the appeal, the Globe immediately offered its support. Within just seven weeks, donations from readers poured into the special Wheelchair Fund account, swelling the coffers to over £9,259.

Mrs Sue Wilkinson, Head of Sixth Form and co-ordinator of the appeal, said: "From what was essentially a germ of an idea back in January, I'm truly amazed that this appeal has affected so many people. I had confidence that the school could go a long way in raising the initial target. To reach that target in such a short time-scale was incredible, but to almost double that figure, with the help of Globe readers and other donations, was beyond my wildest dreams.

"This chair will make such a difference to Helen's life."

Helen formally received her new set of wheels from Liverpool FC footballers John Barnes and Jamie Redknapp, at a special presentation held at the school in Plymyard Avenue.

In what they regarded as a 'personal favour', the Liverpool stars revealed that they were delighted when they were approached to present the chair, as they both knew Helen - a Liverpool FC stalwart - through her regular attendances at Anfield and at their Melwood training ground!

Local organisations and companies also stepped forward with support. Among them, Lever Employees Charity Committee, Shell, the Rotary Club, Freemasons, and McTay Engineering.

In addition, and as a result of the huge success of the Firework Display last November, Bebington Round Table was able to make a substantial donation.

In a personal 'thank you' speech, Helen thanked everyone who had contributed in any way to her achieving her dream. "I am really looking forward to being able to go out on my own without having to rely on family and friends to accompany me," she said. "This chair is going to give me so much independence, it's just magnificent."

Delighted parents Lynn and George are thrilled with Helen's new-found freedom. "We are indebted to everyone," they told me.

Headmaster Wyn Francis described the event as the most joyous occasion he could remember during his time at the school. "It has been a fantastic effort all round and everyone who has been involved should be applauded," he said. "The extra cash left in the appeal fund will be invested to secure Helen's mobility well into the future."

by Carol Brown

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.