Willow ready to join in Big Weekend (From York Press)

Willow Emmison-Neal ready to join in Big Weekend

9:23am Tuesday 1st May 2012 in Selby & Tadcaster

BANK HOLIDAY fundraising celebrations at a village near Selby will be opened by a very special guest.

The Big Weekend, at North Duffield, runs from Friday until Monday, and will be opened by Willow Emmison-Neal, the eight-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who recently had life-changing surgery in America to help her walk unaided for the first time.

On Friday, the Kings Arms in the village will host a race night, and there will be sponsored 10k run on Saturday, followed by a disco and casino night at the pub.

On Sunday, a fete will be held on the village green, with singers, a dance troupe, a dog show, a pie-eating competition, fairground rides, and a number of stalls selling locally-made produce and gifts.

The event was set up by the Ash Duggan Committee – an organisation in memory of local boy Ashley Duggan, who died in November 2008 following a head injury and who was treated at Leeds General Infirmary.

Funds from the event will go to Martin House Children’s Hospice and the neuro intensive care ward at Leeds General Infirmary.

A beer festival will run throughout the four days and the fundraising events will culminate with a six-a-side, knock-out football competition on Monday.

For more information, visit ashduggancommittee.org.uk or email info@ashduggancommittee.org.uk