Money is flooding in to help send Keighley golden girl katie Whitaker to the Special Olympics in the USA.

Among the donations this week was $500 from the Lord of the Manor of Stanbury - american sapphire mining entrepreneur Tom Lee. He faxed a message from his home in East Grand Rapids, Michig-an, saying he was 'very moved' by the recent Keighley News story about Katie being chosen for the British Special Olympic power-lifting team. He said: "God bless her and her wonderful parents."

Mr Lee, who receives the Keighley News each week, was delighted to hear that Keighley National Lottery millionaire Phil Bowness had also made a substantial donation to the cost. All the money raised will pay for katie's stay in North Carolina and any spare will help other local disabled athletes.

Mr Lee says: "Katie and her parents can enjoy a few special dinners in North Carolina and have perhaps a little extra cash for their adventure."

Mr Lee flies in to attend a Stanbury Church dedication service on Sunday, his first visit to the village. the service marks the church's 150th anniversary.

Among other donations to the 'Get katie to Carolina Appeal' are from:

staff in the engineering department at Magnet Joinery in Keighley who had a collection and raised £100

former Keighley community personality of the Year Molly Jones and her husband Reg.

an anonymous donor who gave £10.

Keighley MP Ann Cryer has promised to help in any way she can. "People have reacted tremendously," she says. "And I must congratulate Katie and her parents on their excellent achievements."

Lord Mayor Cllr Tony Miller, who was there to see Katie receive the cheque from Mr Bowness at Keighley Leisure Centre on Wednesday, also praised her efforts. "I feel very proud and privileged to be associated with Katie," he said. "It is a tremendous feat against what seem to be difficult odds and shows just what can be achieved."

A cabaret with Keighley musician Amanda Thompson will be the highlight of a fundraising dinner for Katie and her fellow disabled athletes.

The event has been organised by the Bradford Sports and Recreation Association for People with Disabilities (BSRAPD), of which Katie is a member. It takes place at the Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford, on Friday, October 16.

BSRAPD is a local charitable organisation which enables people with disabilities to take part in a wide range of sport. It organises various activities in Keighley including the Wednes-day Leisure Group at the town's leisure centre and tenpin bowling at the AMF Bowl.

The Lord Mayor Cllr Tony Miller will be there with Mr and Mrs Bowness. Tickets are £27.50 or tables of ten can be booked at £275. For every table of ten booked, a free ticket will be given to a member with disabilities or a volunteer. For details contact the BSRAPD office at the Town Hall, Shipley BD18 3EJ, or ring Bradford (01274) 757093. If you would like to donate a raffle prize or cash then this too should be sent to the above address.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.