Kessie Will Get Her Bath – Crowdfunding Campaign Raises £5,000 Target

Published on: 8 Oct, 2018
Updated on: 8 Oct, 2018

Kessie and her mum Iris. They will now get the specialised bath to make their lives a little easier.

A young Guildford girl who is suffering from Rett’s syndrome, and who dislikes using showers, will get a specialized bath thanks to the generosity of Guildford residents and businesses who have answered the calls of campaign organiser Su Johnston.

The good news came through today (October 8, 2018) when campaigner Su Johnston emailed: “We have just hit target!!! Trisha has another donor so we may well get another £750. 🙂 WHOOP”

Su Johnston, who organised the crowdfunding campaign Photo: Professional Images

This evening she said: “I think we all feel the same way about hitting the crowdfunding target for Kessie, don’t we? It’s a bit of a mix of pure elation at the good news that we can buy the bloomin’ bath, plus a sense of pride in our community and even a bit of restored faith in humanity.

“Thanks to everyone who has been involved, from the 117 supporters to the 14 lovely business owners who provided ‘rewards’, and all the people who shared it far and wide.

“The businesses that offered rewards were hugely varied – everything from a flower farm, to an ironing service, handyman to a turkey producer (a full list is at the end of the article, if you feel that your custom might be an appropriate acknowledgement!) we even had a tea specialist from the North East.

“I work for Crowdfunder – Adam knew that when he first threw down the gauntlet – so I know this ‘model’ can work – but only when there is a community of people prepared to spend their hard-earned money to make something happen. I always knew we had that in Guildford, but it’s great to see the proof.

Dragon reader Adam Aaronson whose personal pledge of £50 kick-started the campaign, said: “I’m delighted to learn that Kessie and her family will soon be able to have a bath.

“I hope this will help make their lives less stressful and more comfortable all round.

“Thanks to The Guildford Dragon for all their effort behind this campaign and thanks to all the people who pledged support.”

Guildford Dragon editor Martin Giles said: “I am absolutely delighted that Su Johnston’s hard work campaigning to get Kessie her bath has paid off. I hope Kessie and her family enjoy using it and that her mum’s life can be a little easier.

“My colleague David Rose wrote the article that caught Adam Aaronson’s eye. All we did after that was help publicise the campaign.

“We should remember that there is a lot of other very worthy work carried out by Guildford Borough Council, Guildford Action, the various churches in Guildford and many other organisations and individuals, to help those less fortunate. It is very, very worthy activity and deserves all our support.”

Businesses supporting the campaign: Graham at The Surrey Bike Project (a charity in its own right) and his wife Laura who offered brownies, Ben at the eponymous Ben’s Collectors Records, Adrian at Bramble Farm Turkeys, Helen at Supreme Steam Ironing, Claire at Plantpassion Flower Farm, Debbie & Gill at Artichoke Interiors, Phil at Broadstreet Cars, Carly Garrett Reflexology, Jason at Beck & Call Handyman Services, Jill Bennett of Brooklands Radio for Arbonne , Kellie of Get Creative Art Classes, the lovely Tea Enthusiasts and, of course, Adam Aaronson.