Prizes galore help crash victim Catherine

TORBAY businesses have donated a plethora of prizes for a fundraising event this week in aid of a woman who was severely disabled in a car crash.

Laura Kenyon, 32 and from Torquay, has organised a fundraising event in aid of her sister Catherine Kouam, 40.

Catherine, who was a keen dancer, suffered serious spinal injuries after her car crashed into a tree on the A380 near the Penn Inn roundabout in Newton Abbot in March.

Catherine has been undergoing intense rehabilitation at the Duke of Cornwall spinal unit and it is hoped she could return home to the Bay next month.

Laura and her friends, Vanessa and Frankie Ferrara, are organising a fundraising evening to get Catherine the best equipment money can buy, including a wheelchair to help her to live an independent life again.

They have organised an evening of entertainment with a performance by drag queen Miss Dot Com, a raffle and an auction at Mojo’s Bar on Torquay seafront.

Mum-of-three Laura said: “The response has been overwhelming. People have been so kind and we have got some fantastic prizes.”

Prizes include a week’s holiday in an apartment in Bulgaria, a champagne carriage ride, a weekend stay in a caravan park and a photography session worth £350.

There is also a signed Everton training bib, a limited framed print from Kevin Dowell, vouchers and a meal for two at Spice Club.

Laura said: “The man who runs Cockington Carriages has been all round Cockington for us and has got a piece of jewellery from the shop, something from the glass blowers and a cream tea for ten people.”

During the event, staff at Mojo’s Bar will be donating their wages to the fundraising efforts.

The fundraising night takes place this Friday from 7.30pm until late. Tickets cost £5 and are available from Mojo’s or by calling Laura on 07776 131443 or Frankie on 07826 463074.