Complete strangers sent donations towards Chloe’s Appeal – a fundraising appeal by her parents to boost research into her condition.

The Take That tickets were a surprise last-minute addition to the auction and raised us a lot of money.
Sarah Monte

And the cause even touched the heart of a major pop star’s family.

Chloe’s parents, Sarah and Simon, organised a special charity ball in a bid to raise money for the cause. And, much to their surprise, news of the event spread as far as Manchester, inspiring the father of Take That star Jason Orange to offer his services at the auction.

Not only did Tony Orange compere the sale, he produced two tickets to see the famous boyband – with backstage passes thrown in.

Mum Sarah said: “We were astounded. To have Tony Orange helping out was incredible. I always sang Take That songs to the girls when they were tiny babies and word got back to Tony via a friend of mine who knew him. Immediately he offered to help.

“Everyone has been really generous and shown a real Christmas spirit and we are genuinely touched and astounded by the amount we have received. The Take That tickets were a surprise last-minute addition to the auction and raised us a lot of money.”

The ball – a Winterwonderland, held at the Stansfield Arms in Apperley Bridge – was a huge success, raising an incredible £10,000.

This brings the total of the appeal, which has been running for several months, to £15,000.

The money will be split between two causes – to fund research at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and to boost facilities for children at Leeds General Infirmary.

Sarah said: “Some of the money will be used to get a doctor to do Phd research into facial haemangioma to help children in the future. Having been through what we’ve gone through with Chloe, I know just how vital that is.

“The rest of the donations will be used to buy toys, games and equipment for children at Leeds General Infirmary as well as helping to redecorate ward 41.”

Nine-month old Chloe, was left in agony and unable to eat when she was diagnosed with a segmental facial haemangioma, just weeks after she was born.

The condition, a type of tumour of the blood vessels in her face ulcerated and spread, covering both her airways and one of her eyes.

She had to endure three general anaesthetics while doctors battled her condition and now faces reconstructive surgery throughout her childhood.

At one point Chloe, who has a twin, Amelia, was so poorly, her mother feared for her life.

But now the family, from Rawdon, is looking forward to the New Year – with the best present of all – their bubbly baby daughters in good health.

Sarah said: “We feel so lucky to have Chloe here safe and well – that’s the best present we could have wished for.”

Friends and local businesses helped plan the Christmas ball for Chloe – dancers from the Starlight Academy in Guiseley provided entertainment, table decorations and arrangements were organised by family friends, the tombola sleigh was designed and built by Brassneck Theatre Company and the Grove and Rawdon choir did the singing.

Sarah said: “It is lovely to know that so many people round about care so much about Chloe.”

The next event planned for 2010 will be a garden party due to be held in the summer months in Addingham and a sponsored walk.

If you would like to help you can visit Chloe’s Appeal at justgiving.com and search for Sarah Monte.
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