Footballers rally to support brain-damaged baby
8:53am Tuesday 29th May 2012 in Wimbledon By Lauren May
Former Wimbledon footballers are taking part in a charity football match to help raise funds for a severely brain-damaged baby girl.
Evie Shears, from Morden, was born at Kingston Hospital on January 18 but suffered severe trauma when the cord became wrapped around her neck twice, causing suffocation and brain damage.
For the first three days of her life, Evie underwent therapeutic hypothermia - a treatment which lowered her body temperature while unconscious - in an attempt to cool her developing brain and slow the rate of cell damage.
She has since been diagnosed with retinoblastoma in both eyes and will have to undergo chemotherapy in the hope of saving some of her sight.
Her family recently launched a fund-raising campaign to help with her treatment.
And Stacey Fuller, a friend of the family who is helping to organise the event, said: "It’s just nice that so many people have come to help us and we have lots of friends who are going to come down.
"It will be a nice day for everybody and will raise awareness for Evie.
"We are hoping to raise as much as we can."
Evie also has cerebral palsy and will require specialist care throughout her life.
Among those confirmed to attend the event are former Wimbledon legend Chris Perry, who played 167 times for the club over eight years.
A charity auction will also take place featuring Chelsea shirts signed by Frank Lampard, signed Olly Murs CDs, a champagne balloon ride and a trip on the Eurostar.
The event, sponsored by More Than Lofts, is on June 16 at Raynes Park Vale football club’s ground in Grand Drive, with a barbeque, raffle, DJ and face painting.
For more information visit enablingevie.co.uk, or call Ms Fuller on 07843191850.
Source: www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk
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