Rowhedge: Andrew and friends thrilled with fundraising total (From Essex County Standard)

Rowhedge: Andrew and friends thrilled with fundraising total

9:00am Saturday 4th July 2009

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Over £850 has been raised to support a former soldier left paralysed after an accident.

Andrew Tolliday, who broke his neck in two places when he dived into a swimming pool in October, was the star attraction at a fun day in Rowhedge, where he grew up.

His friends Hannah James and Neil Bland organised the event at the village hall, which featured a jumble sale, face painting, stalls and refreshments.

The money raised will go towards special equipment for the 25-year-old – known as Drew – which will be added to £1,300 collected by his friends in the pubs and clubs of Colchester in November.

Drew, a former lance corporal in the Royal Logistics Corps, said the fun day had been “brilliant”.

“The best part was seeing my friends again – I don't get to see them that often now,” said the former Thomas, Lord Audley pupil, who is currently living at the Seven Rivers Care Home in Great Bromley.

“I also saw my nan for the first time since I had the accident.

“I'd like to thank everyone that helped out – I owe them a drink!”

Drew's mum Val said she was also very grateful to those that supported her son on the day.

“The people of Rowhedge really came together – they all mucked in for him,” she said.

“It was quite emotional for his nana to see him, she's nearly 91 and had been dreading it a bit.

“But afterwards she said she was glad she had seen him.

“The whole day was wonderful from start to finish.”

Fun day organiser Hannah added: “We managed to raise an amazing total of £857.57 which was much more than expected.

“Everything went really, really well.”

She added that the fundraising doesn't stop there.

Next weekend, Drew's friend Lee Saunders will be shaving his hair in aid of the fund - quite a sacrifice as he has been growing his hair for many years.

“It's lovely that he's going to do that for me,” said Drew.

“He looks like a sheep at the moment!”

The sponsored haircut will take place as part of the Rowhedge Regatta on Saturday, July 11.

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