SEVERAL months ago I wrote to the Bolton Evening News, and told them I was attempting to contact every company and organisation within the Bolton and surrounding areas in an effort to raise funds for the Nathan Howarth Appeal.

Nathan is the brave little boy who suffers from the rare genetic disorder fanconi anaemia.

We have sent out approximately 600 letters, and so far the results have been very generous, bringing much-needed donations into the appeal.

I will carry on trawling through the phone directory, and would encourage any company receiving a letter about Nathan to give as generously as possible.

I would very much like to thank two companies in particular who have helped us a great deal.

PC Solutions in Kearsley have given so much help -- supplying stationery and printing ink in copious amounts!

They have also been posting all our appeal letters, and, for their generosity and compassion, I would like to thank them on behalf of the Nathan Howarth Appeal. Their ongoing help has restored my faith in human nature.

Recently a company called Cube 3 Media Limited in Bolton has designed some fantastic leaflets, flyers and letterheads, which will enable us to spend much more time actually fundraising, rather than printing them ourselves.

The artwork is very eye-catching and I hope it will help us to raise awareness, and funds, for Nathan's treatment.

Just one more thing to "mither" readers with. Is there anyone out there who would maybe donate a couple of second class stamps, or any company who would run some appeal letters through their franking machines.

Yes, I am cheeky, but so far we have relied heavily on the good people of Bolton and they have never let us down.

Thanks once again to everybody who has donated to the appeal.

Mrs Sharon Hillman

Harper Street

Farnworth