Charity night raises £2,000 for Melissa
Julie Hopwood is holding an event to raise money for her daughter Melissa Rusling after she has become severely disabled after a cyst on her brain. They are dressing up in Moulin Rouge costumes! Pictured: Clive Brewing with Julie
The mother of a disabled woman who degenerated from a “bubbly” young lady into paralysis has been “overwhelmed” by support at fundraising events that have raised more than £2,000.
Julie Hopwood arranged the events to raise money for her daughter Melissa Rusling, 27, who suffered severe brain damage after developing a brain cyst last year.
And since the Express first reported the story in June people have come forward in their hundreds to support Mrs Rusling, who receives 24-7 care at Dearnevale Care Home, in Grimethorpe.
Around 300 people attended a Moulin Rouge-themed event at the Ryhill Liberal Club on Friday, July 27.
The evening saw an array of fancy dress with live music, a raffle and an auction to raise money for Mrs Rusling.
And with an extra £470 raised on Saturday, July 21, at the Havercroft Low Club, Mrs Hopwood now has a total of around £2,700 to help with her daughter’s care.
The funds are in addition to £3,000 donated by online retail company ASOS, where Mrs Rusling worked before her illness.
The company put forward the cash to buy Mrs Rusling a specialist chair to support her paralysed body.
Mrs Hopwood, 47, of Chapel Street, Ryhill, said: “It’s been mega overwhelming. We are a close community, it’s like one big family so there’s always been somebody who’s been there to help me.
“I really don’t know what to say to thank everybody, I’m gobsmacked and overwhelmed and overjoyed that so many people have got behind me.
“I will do anything for my kids, like any mum would. I’ve just got to think for Melissa and her comfort so she’s happy instead of crying all the time like she has been.”
A further donation of a specialist chair was given to Dearnevale by Hemsworth resident Mick Sedgwick, which sadly was not quite suitable for Mrs Rusling but has been gladly accepted by the care home.
Mrs Hopwood now hopes to put the money raised towards special lighting in Melissa’s room at the care home.
The lighting would help to stimulate her eyes and help her to progress in moving them more than she currently is able to.
Mrs Hopwood thanked everyone that has donated, Yvette and Mick Howey of the Havercroft Low Club, Roy and Jenny Smith of the Ryhill Liberal Club, Dearnevale Care Home, and the Express for their support.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Wakefield
Friday 24 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 30 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 7 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
