Are your wearing purple today?

Scores of people have dressed up in purple today - including us - to raise cash and awareness about the Stacey Mowle Appeal.

Seven-year-old Stacey, of Trafalgar Road, Gravesend, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in May 2010 but despite almost two years of intense treatment, relapsed just days before Christmas last year.

She now needs specialist treatment which is neither available in the UK nor funded by the NHS and may cost up to £500,000.

There have been numerous fund raising events but today's Go Purple has been organised in honour of Stacey’s favourite Disney princess, Rapunzel, by Asda Gravesend.

The store’s community life champion Jacquii Alexander-Smith said several schools and businesses had pledged their support.

She said: “Where possible, we are asking people to make a donation of £1 to wear their purple item in their work place or school.

“Even if you are just out and about, please wear the colour with pride and show your support for The Stacey Mowle Appeal, and help bring the entire community together.”

Those taking part include pupils at Meopham Community Academy School, Shears Green Infants, Wrotham Road Primary and Northfleet School for Girls, as well as staff at Asda, Morrisons and B&Q. Dartford-based home care group Here2Care is also joining in.

Jacquii and her colleagues have been heavily involved in organising fundraising days for Stacey, pictured right.
“So far, we have had a fantastic response to all of the events but we still have a long way to go.
“This is where we need the involvement of the entire community to help raise the money.”

Go Purple donations between £1 and £10 can be made to the appeal by texting STAC53 followed by the amount to 70700, or via www.justgiving.com/StaceyMowleAppeal.

• Are you going purple? Email your pictures to gravesendmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk