THE Ilkley Gazette campaign to help raise money for special treatment for an autistic boy from Ilkley has received two major boosts.

A charity auction organised by the Ilkley Round Table raised £1,318 for the campaign and in an unexpected development, a hairdresser from Sheffield has raised £500 for Robert's Ray of Hope.

The Round Table auction, held at the Wheatley Hotel, saw a successful night's fundraising with proceeds split between the Ilkley Upstagers Theatre Group and the Robert campaign.

Janet Ellis, of Sheffield, heard about the campaign from a relative of Robert and set about raising money through her hairdressing business.

A tombola game based on the National Lottery soon resulted in cash flowing in for the Ilkley youngster. A delighted Mrs Ellis, 50, said: "No-one round here knows Robert but everyone has had a go and we have raised £500."

Four-year-old Robert Sime, of Gilstead Way, Ilkley, suffers from autism, a developmental disorder which leaves children unable to communicate properly. Thanks to an intensive therapy, costing £18,000-a-year, his condition has improved and it is hoped he will be able to attend a mainstream school.

To help Robert's parents Harry and Lorraine, afford the expensive one-to-one treatment, the Ilkley Gazette and Ilkley Round Table have been raising money since

earlier this year.

Mr Sime said he was extremely pleased with the fundraising efforts and would like to thank all those people in the community who have contributed in any way.

l Ilkley and District Round Table have now raised more than £10,000 this year. Following on from the Fun Run in June (more than £2,500), the sponsored canoe trip for Robert Sime in July (more than £3,500), and the auction at the Wheatley last month held in conjunction with the Ilkley Gazette (£2,636), Tablers raised £1,637 for Children in Need last Friday, wearing fancy dress and rattling cans all day.

Round Tabler Anthony Elston said he was delighted with the support this year.

"We are very grateful for the support and generosity of the local community for the events that we have organised, helping Robert Sime, the Upstagers, Children in Need, Guide Dogs for the Blind and other worthy causes locally."

The final fund raiser of 1998 will be the traditional Santa Float from Sunday, December 13 to Friday, December 18. "The Float is in need of some refurbishment - any contributions of bright paint, tinsel, coloured light bulbs or similar materials would be gratefully received," said Mr Elston.

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