KIND-HEARTED cafe staff are urging more people to support a fundraising appeal to help a York toddler with serious health issues.

The Chill Cafe, in Front Street, Acomb, has been running the campaign to help three-year-old Daisybella Bond, who 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.

The cafe, which is aiming to raise £6,000 to pay for a sensory room for Daisybella, has so far helped to raise more than £3,000.

It had a Santa’s Grotto at the weekend and will also have a grotto from this Saturday until next Wednesday to raise further funds for Daisybella.

Jo Millner, manager of the cafe, said: “I don’t think we are going to make the £6,000 target unless we get more donations and more people book tickets for Santa’s grotto.

“We’re determined to raise £6,000 but we need more people to support us if they can.”

Most of the funding raised by the cafe so far has come after The Press ran an article earlier this month about the theft of a collection tin containing hundreds of pounds for the sensory room.

It was taken from a market stall outside the Chill Cafe during the recent Acomb Lights Switch-on event.

Within just a few days of the article, members of the public donated nearly £3,000 to the appeal.

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

If the cafe is able to raise £6,000, it would cover the costs to build the sensory room and for some equipment.

Daisybella’s mum, Sarajane Bond, says the room would be built at the side of her home, in Middleton Road, Acomb, to provide a colourful, relaxing and safe environment for her daughter.

The cafe’s Santa’s Grotto will take place from 10am to 5pm, Saturday until Wednesday. People can also book parties at the cafe for up to 16 children for next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. These will feature traditional party games, a chance to visit Santa and youngsters will also a receive a gift.