Organisers of a concert and auction to raise money for a girl who was paralysed after falling from a climbing frame are appealing for help.

Bel Young, nine, who was a pupil at the Moorfield School in Ilkley, breathes with a ventilator and spends four days a week at the Leeds General Infirmary as a result of the accident last June.

But it is hoped funds can be raised from the event on Friday, April 22, to pay towards rehabilitation equipment.

Bel’s parents Simon and Vanessa have created The Being Bel Trust to co-ordinate the fundraising and installation of equipment at their home, which will costs thousands of pounds. And organisers are appealing for people to come forward with more items for the silent auction for the evening at the Craiglands Hotel, Ilkley.

Organiser Carol Dawson said: “Wonderful items have already been donated for our silent auction and raffle, including a web-site by a professional web-designer, a signed Jilly Cooper book, an oil painting, beauty treatments, a portrait photographic session, Cloud Nine hair rollers, three hours’ gardening/building labour, cash donations, plus many more.

“But we want as many appealing items as possible which will really make people bid up on the night to make the event a huge success. It’s for a great cause.”

Other items also donated include a year’s supply of teabags from Bettys and Taylors.

Mrs Dawson met Bel in hospital and said the youngster was an inspiration. She said: “I left feeling totally proud of this young girl who had such a positive attitude on her future and is a true inspiration to us all.

“I was so honoured to be allowed the privilege of meeting her.”

The evening will feature classical music and songs from the musicals and performances by soprano Alexandra Lowe, violinist Joy Becker, pianist Nick Stevenson and tenor Christian Lunn.

The concert and auction start at 8pm. Tickets, at £19.95, including dinner, are available from The Craiglands Hotel, Cowpasture Road or by calling (01943) 430001 or e-mailing sales@craiglands.co.uk.

To donate items call 07710 843003 or e-mail carol_dawson@ btconnect.com.

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