'MISS Courage' Helen Sykes is looking forward to a very special day that could well be about to dawn...thanks to her classmates, friends - and Wirral Globe readers.

For the response to a heart-touching £3,500 appeal, launched last week, to provide Helen with a motorised wheelchair - and the sort of independence she has only been able to dream about - has been such that virtually half the target has already been raised (writes Carol Brown).

Nineteen-year-old Helen, who lives in Eastham, South Wirral, was born with abnormally short limbs, a condition known as Achondraplasia. She has to wear splints on both legs for support.

Helen is in desperate need of a electric wheelchair so that she can become independent. At present, she must be accompanied at all times, as she can only propel herself very short distances in her manual wheelchair. And walking, aided by two sticks, is limited to a matter of yards.

Helen is a student at South Wirral High School, Eastham, which has launched the Wheelchair Appeal Fund. Staff and pupils are organising fund-raising events, but need the public's help... Last week, the 6th Form raised more than £100 by washing staff cars.

Said Headmaster Wyn Francis: "We are very grateful for the support of the Globe and its readers. Helen is as delighted as we are - the chair will make such an improvement to her quality of life. Despite her obvious problems, she has an incredible determination to overcome adversity.

"We are optimistic that the £3,500 target can be reached."

Readers who would like to support the appeal can make cheques payable to Wheelchair Appeal Fund S.W.H.S. and send to Mr Francis at South Wirral High School, Plymyard Avenue, Eastham, Wirral L62 8EH.. Alternatively, donations can be made at any Midland Bank branch quoting Account No: 5143 6724 Sort Code: 40-15-04.

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