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"We're So Grateful!" - Fundraiser For Isle Of Wight's Joey Smashes £7K Target

An Isle of Wight mother has thanked Islanders for "helping to change her son's life", after enough money was raised to pay for his urgent operations.

A £7,000 fundraising target has been reached, less than a week after Isle of Wight Radio reported Joey's story.

The three-year-old's parents, Charlotte Palmer and Barrie Stead, launched the appeal to pay for operations at London's Great Ormand Street Hospital.

Joey, who has brain damage and severe global developmental delay, has recently been told he needs his tonsils removed.

He has also been diagnosed with glue ear - a condition which has filled Joey's ear with fluid and left him in "tremendous pain".

As well as a Go Fund Me page, a number of fundraisers have been set up by Islanders to get to the magic £7,000 mark.

Mum Charlotte Palmer says she is relieved that her son will now get the help he needs:

"As parents it's difficult to see Joey in pain all the time. He does have good days but a lot are bad days. It is awful to watch him not be able to do anything. Unfortunately he has got unwell in a pandemic. Nobody can help the pandemic.

"He needs to the operation for a greater quality of life and thanks to the generosity of people we're now able to do that."

An £800 donation from Sandown and Lake Football Club took the grand total to £7,000 earlier today (Wednesday).

Totals from other fundraisers are still being added. Islander Rob Illey has managed to raise more than £1,000 so far for Joey. He is running 70 miles in 30 days.

A 60-mile 'Ride the Wight for Joey' bike ride is also planned, thanks to Karl Butcher and his cohort.

Charlotte says charities and businesses, including Daisy Chains, Apex Competition and the Yarbridge Inn, have also got behind the appeal.

DJ M Stone has even signed up to perform a 48 hour set, with help from AAAlive studio.


Joey and DJ M Stone

Charlotte says any additional money will go towards travel costs and to aid in Joey's recovery.

Charlotte Palmer told Isle of Wight Radio she is "overwhelmed" by the support:

"We appreciate it so so much. Without you Joey would not be getting his operation and we would not be at our goal of £7,000. We are so shocked it's unbelievable because in four or five days, not only have we got it out there, they have also shared it and donated to it.

"We appreciate it and everyone single one of you that has donated as well, you're going to change Joey's life."

Joey is booked in to have the operations on April 15.

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