THE mother of a girl with serious health issues says she is “overwhelmed” by the generosity of Press readers who have donated almost £3,000 to an appeal to help her daughter.

It comes after a collection tin, which contained hundreds of pounds to create a sensory room for Daisybella Bond, was stolen from a market stall outside the Chill Cafe during the Acomb Lights Switch-on event on November 26.

Three-year-old Daisybella Bond suffers from Noonan Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes a wide range of symptoms, such as heart abnormalities and unusual facial characteristics. She also has epilepsy, a heart defect, and blindness in one eye.

Since The Press’ article about the theft last Friday, members of the public have donated £2,961 to the appeal run by the Chill Cafe, in Front Street, Acomb, to raise funds for the sensory room. It means the cafe has raised nearly double its original target of £1,500.

It is now aiming to raise £6,000 which would cover the costs to build the sensory room and for some equipment.

Daisybella’s mum, Sarajane Bond, said: “I can’t believe how generous people have been. I’m overwhelmed.

“I’m amazed how many people have come together to help Daisybella.”

York Press:

Miss Bond said the room would be built at the side of their home and provide a colourful, relaxing and safe environment for Daisybella and also for her 11-year-old daughter Gracimai, who also has epilepsy.

Jo Millner, manager of the Chill Cafe, said: “I can’t believe how many people have come in to donate money. It proves there are a lot of generous people out there. The community has come together to support Daisybella.”

Among those who have made donations to the appeal is York firm PBH Rail, which works on rail projects across the UK. The company has donated £1,500.

Darren Pudsey, who works for the company, said: “I saw it in The Press. We felt like we needed to help, especially with it coming up to Christmas.”

The Chill Cafe is planning to have a Santa’s Grotto on certain dates from this weekend. It is open from 10am to 5pm on December 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21.