WE'RE half-way there - but we still need lots more help to reach our target.

WE'RE half-way there - but we still need lots more help to reach our target.

So far thanks to kind-hearted readers' donations, generous gifts from various organisations and fundraising events, the Evening Star Christmas appeal stands at £5,000.

But we still need another £5,000 to reach the £10,000 which will pay for guide dog puppy Star's training to take on her role as the eyes of a blind or visually-impaired person.

Puppy walker Penny Parker, of the East and Mid Suffolk fundraising group of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and who is looking after little Star for her first year, thanked everyone who has donated to the appeal so far.

She said: “The support we have had has been amazing and we cannot thank people enough for their donations and fundraising.

“It is wonderful - but we want to reach our target by Christmas so there is still work to do.

“We would encourage people to help in any way they can and to get in touch if they are holding events for the appeal and we will bring Star along if we can.”

Star opened the Kingsfleet Craft Club's craft fair at Kingsfleet Primary School in Old Felixstowe.

The event raised £400 for the club, of which ten per cent was given to the appeal. Along with money raised on the Guide Dogs stand, this meant a further £100 for the pup's training fund.

Another craft fair and an ideal opportunity to pick up some Christmas gifts is being held in aid of the appeal on November 16 at Felixstowe Leisure Centre.

There are still some stalls available for craft sellers - the cost is £10 per table and people interested should call Lynn or David Alligan on 0800 5118068 or email angels.shed80@ntlworld.com

Also needed are a group of carol singers to give the event some festive spirit and anyone able to take part should call the same number.

Mr Alligan said: “We are both animal lovers and just want to do our bit to help the appeal.”

Has your family been helped by the Guide Dogs - tell us your stories about this amazing charity: write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk

HOW TO GET INVOLVED . . .

The aim is to raise £10,000 to help with the cost of Star's training - and we want the whole community to get involved with the appeal.

Every penny and pound will count and ensure that the little puppy get the best care and training as she is prepared to do the job of guiding someone who lives every day of their lives with the blight of blindness.

If you are organising a fundraising event for the appeal, then we want to hear so we can give it maximum publicity and help boost the amount raised.

So let us know what you are up to - get in touch with Richard Cornwell at the Felixstowe Newsdesk on 01394 284109 or the Ipswich Newsdesk on 01473 324788.

To donate to the appeal, please send cheques - made payable to the Guide Dogs - to Richard Cornwell, Evening Star, 172 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7DU.