Unknown benefactors have given a teenager £2,000 towards a new wheelchair.

Philippa Smith, who has cerebral palsy, held a sponsored headshave and fun day on Saturday, June 21 to raise money for a £23,000 electric wheelchair.

The 13-year-old, a pupil at Plume School in Maldon, is entitled to £3,500 NHS funding towards the cost but must raise the rest herself.

Her mum Caroline, who was also roped into shaving her head, said they received a £2,000 cheque from a Mr and Mrs Bullock with a note saying: ‘Just read your article in the Maldon and Burnham Standard and wanted to give you a little something’.

The delighted mum and daughter wish to thank them and another unknown man who drove from Tillingham with an envelope of cash for Philippa.

She has so far collected £4,200, including the £1,100 raised with the fun day at the family home in Wycke Lane, Tollesbury, but excluding the NHS funding.