A REQUEST by a customer for a supermarket to run a raffle to raise funds for a life-changing operation for a Berry Hill lad raised £750.

Joan Dowie of Lydney was touched by the story of Harry Childs of Berry Hill – whose has a condition which causes extremely stiff muscles meaning he is unable to walk – after reading about it in the Review.

She suggested a fund-raising raffle to Rita Meredith at the Co-op in Lydney and the idea was given the go-ahead by store manager Steve Vaughan.

Staff at the Co-op donated a range of prizes and in less than a week £750 worth of tickets were sold.

Harry and mum, Sasha Evans, met Rita, Steve and Joan at the store on Saturday for a presentation.

Joan said: “I read about Harry in the Review and it broke my heart – I have a granddaughter and she can go out to play but Harry can’t.”

The appeal is to raise £40,000 for a selective dhorsal rhizotomy which would allow him to move more freely.

Rita has organised many charity events at the store in Newerne Street and said the response from customers and staff had been “fantastic”.

Mr Vaughan said: “There was a brilliant response to the raffle and it shows we are part of a very caring community.”

Ms Evans said: “We are very grateful to everyone at the Co-op who supported the raffle.

“The response across the Forest to the appeal has been phenomenal.”