Newsagent boosts fund after collection theft
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A campaign to raise money to fund a poorly toddler’s cancer
treatment has had another boost.
Last week we reported how a collection pot for three-year-old
neuroblastoma sufferer Oliver Smith was stolen from the Boathouse
Cafe in Barton’s Point Coastal Park in Sheerness.
It had around £55 which was to go towards the £150,000 his
family are trying to raise for treatment he could need in Germany
if his condition gets worse.
After reading the story, Martin Fitch, who owns BA Fitch
newsagent in Sheerness, was so appalled at the theft he offered to
replace the money.
He said: “It’s absolutely disgraceful that someone would do
that.”
Mr Fitch and his staff presented the £55 to Oliver and his mum
Natalie on Tuesday.
Natalie, of Coral Road, Minster, said she was overwhelmed at
people’s generosity and said that just saying thank you did not
seem enough. 
On Saturday, Natalie and Oliver went along to the Asda store in
Mill Way, Sittingbourne, where they were given a cheque for
£2,000.
The money was raised at a pirate themed day last year where
staff dressed up and there was face painting and a raffle.
Some workers even had their heads shaved to add to the
appeal.
On the day, £1,000 was raised and the company has doubled the
donation to £2,000.
A number of collection boxes have also been emptied, bringing in
another £158.
There was £23 in the Conservative Club’s box, £64 at
Queenborough Corner garage and £71 from the bucket in the Times
Guardian office.
This means since the Oliver Smith Appeal was
launched last June, generous Islanders have raised £66,842 – almost
half the fundraising target.
Oliver’s grandad Dave Barton thanked everyone for all their hard
work and generosity.
He said: “We would like to give a special thanks to Queenborough
Corner garage – to the manager and all the girls there for all
their donations and help and support over the last few months.”
To donate to the appeal, pop into the Times Guardian office
where you can also buy wristbands and CDs, or visit
www.bmycharity.com/oliversmithappeal
Friday, January 27 2012
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