Harwood Spuds raised £875 for Olly Barker trip to Mexico

Olly with their family dog <i>(Image: Leanne Barker)</i>
Olly with their family dog (Image: Leanne Barker)
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“All about smiling that day,” said Rizwan Patel as a fundraiser at Harwood Spuds raised £875 for eight-year-old Olly Barker.

Olly, from Rishton, is living with the rare genetic condition SYNGAP1, which affects many aspects of his daily life.

He has epilepsy, autism, is non-verbal, and requires specialist support including ankle splints, a pram for mobility, and a protective helmet.

With no available treatment in the UK, Olly’s family have been accepted onto a clinical trial in Mexico and are working to raise £40,000 to fund the trip.

Olly and his mum, Leanne BarkerOlly and his mum, Leanne Barker (Image: Leanne Barker)

The fundraiser saw customers offered “Olly’s spud” for £1, with all proceeds donated.

Rizwan then went further, giving all earnings from the day, including profits and stock costs, from his own pocket.

He said: “One of the reasons I did this event is because it’s something I’ve been brought up to do by my family, and it’s something we need to do as a humanity, taking care of someone and doing something nice to brighten someone’s day.”

“All about smiling that day," he said. "Best day I’ve had since I opened the shop.”

READ MORE: Community comes together to support Olly Barker at fundraising event
READ MORE: Family aiming to take 8-year-old Olly to Mexico for 'potentially life changing' trial

Olly’s mum, Leanne Barker, said: “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude how the community has come together to support Olly in his journey for the treatment he needs and deserves.”

Group photoA previous community fundraiser for Olly Barker (Image: Safiyyah Tayyeb)

The family will need to spend around a month in Mexico for the treatment, which includes a 28-day trial alongside additional testing before and after.

Further fundraising is planned, including a charity football match in Clitheroe on Sunday, April 19.

The event will feature players from Blackburn Rovers, Burnley FC, Preston North End, and Blackpool FC, alongside stars from Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks.

Doors open at 1pm, with the match starting at 2pm.

To book a ticket, search 'Mike Newell Legends V Derek Fazakerley Olly's All Stars' on the We Got Tickets website

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