A FUNDRAISING appeal to help a disabled child whose home was destroyed is closer to reaching its target.

Emily Lewin, 30, was travelling in Kathmandu when an earthquake struck last April.

Ms Lewin is trying to raise £4,500 to rebuild the home of Rajan, who has cerebral palsy, and his family, and had raised £2,500 prior to a day of music and fundraising last Sunday, which raised another £720.

She said: “The people who came were an amazing bunch of smiling, compassionate folk, who were really encouraging and enthusiastic about the project. I’m over the moon with the response we’ve had and the overall success of the project so far.”

Ms Lewin said she was “blown away” by the music, from Kitty VR, Charlie Swainston, Foxy and the Tail Feathers, Dan Lucas and Amy Greene’, at The Falcon Tap.

Dan Lucas said: “You could feel that the vibe was good and the gig was making magic happen from the moment you walked in. It was a pleasure and an honour to be part of it.”

Jonny Exon, of Foxy and the Tail Feathers, said: “It’s brilliant so many people turned up to enjoy themselves and raise money for such a good cause. There was a great atmosphere, it was a great event to attend for the first proper gig with our band.”

Alex Fox, the band’s lead singer, also helped organise the event, and said: “It was so great to be involved in a fundraiser where there is such a personal backstory and you can feel how difficult things have been for Rajan and his family. I’m so happy we managed to help raise such a good amount.”

Ms Lewin thanked businesses The Yak and Yeti Gurkha restaurant, Rook and Gaskill, Haven beauty salon, Bang hairdressers, Brew York and the Stone Roses Bar for their assistance and raffle prizes.

She said: “It was fantastic to see a few Nepalis at the event too. I had a long chat with the manager from Everest, the new Gurkha restaurant in York, who gave a really generous donation and really seemed to connect with the cause, and a lovely Nepali lad who has lived here for eight years, who helped out continuously throughout the event, and even got on stage to say a few inspiring and heartfelt words of thanks.”

To donate, visit gofundme.com/buildrajanahome