Rovers star Paul in pledge for Nicholas

1:24pm Saturday 13th January 2007

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A BLACKBURN Rovers star has pledged to help a £100,000 fund-raising campaign for a terminally-ill toddler.

Striker Paul Gallagher first visited Nicholas Robinson, from Great Harwood, after he was admitted to hospital in December.

The three year old has Alpers' Disease, a rare genetic disorder which causes the brain to kill off its cells, resulting in an increasing loss of skills and awareness.

Nicholas, who lives on Beech Road, was struck down by the illness at the age of two and is now unable to walk, talk or even smile.

He suffers from relentless seizures and had taken a turn for the worse when he was rushed to Royal Blackburn Hospital at the end of last year.

Paul was among several players who visited children at the hospital to offer them some Christmas cheer.

And he was so touched by Nicholas's condition that he even rang the family on Christmas Day to see if the toddler was all right.

Father-of-one Paul, 22, said: "Christmas is a time that should be spent at home with the family.

"I know how hard it would be if I could not spend time with my two-year-old daughter Madison at Christmas, so I really felt for the Robinsons. I knew that Nicholas had been very poorly and I wanted to hear for myself he was alright "

Friends of the Robinsons have launched a web appeal to raise £100,000, which will be used to make practical adaptations to the family home including access for a wheelchair and room for Nicholas' specialist medical equipment. Money will also be donated to Derian House and the Rainbow Trust, who offer the family respite care.

Support the Nicholas Appeal

Send cheques to: The Nicholas Appeal, PO Box 217, Oswaldtwistle, BB5 9AT.

Or visit the website: See link below.