Raising funds to heal - Collective effort to secure treatment for Trelawny accident victim

FALMOUTH, Trelawny:

With a price tag of almost $3 million for corrective surgery that his family cannot afford, a fund-raising event has been organised to aid seven-year-old accident victim Anthony Blake of Wacky Wild Kangaroos in Trelawny.

"We need the help, as we cannot afford it," said his mother, Paula Peynado.

She said the accident is taking a toll on Anthony and his family, and is considering counselling sessions.

The youngster was injured on September 1 when he fell from a pick-up truck that he had hopped onto along the Hague main road.

Anthony reportedly sustained severe shoulder and facial injuries when his shoulders became entangled with a horse trailer that the vehicle was pulling, and he was dragged for some distance. He was taken to the Falmouth Hospital, from where he was airlifted to the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston and then transferred to the University Hospital of the West Indies.

High medical bill

Miss Peynado said that medical costs have run into thousands of dollars in addition to an outstanding bill of $60,000, which she cannot afford. However, she singled out Scotiabank Falmouth and the King Pepper Company for their assistance so far.

But Police Sergeant Brenton Bewry and his friend, Derron O'Connor, are planning a January 2, 2012 fun day at Hague Agricultural showgrounds.

"I went to the house, and the moment I saw him, I knew we had to do something and the idea of the concert fully materialised," the cop said.

The event will feature performances from entertainers Tanto Blacks, Food Kartel, Singing Bird, Anthony Cruz and Sample Six, among others. Attractions will include rides, a magic show, fire dancing, a snake charmer and a contortionist. Adults will be asked to pay $500 for entry to the event. The cost for children is $200.

Sergeant Bewry noted that a booth to be manned by official financiers will also be set up at the fun day to accept donations towards Anthony's medical care.