SEVERAL weeks ago my family asked Nathan Howarth's family if we could help them to try to raise funds for Nathan's treatment.

As I'm sure, many regular readers know Nathan's Howarth is a three-year-old little lad who is suffering from a very rare and fatal blood disorder known as Fancori Anaemia. The only place where treatment is available is North Carolina, USA, and, as I'm sure you can imagine, such treatment costs approximately £150,000.

Altogether I've written more than 70 letters to TV celebrities, sports stars and large companies. I've had several replies and telephone calls and gathered autographed memorabilia which we will auction or raffle at a later date.

The residents of Farnworth and the surrounding areas have been magnificent, as always, despite being an area of high unemployment, where there isn't a great deal of money. People have cycled miles, shaved their heads, Morris-danced, entered raffles and generally been as generous as they can be.

The only negative replies so far have been from large companies and local branches of nationwide supermarket chains -- with the exception of Farnworth Asda, and a lovely raffle prize donated by Mothercare, Bolton. I cannot believe that the organisations who have declined cannot even donate a £5 shopping voucher to be spent at their store. They must make thousands of pounds per day, but are ignorant to the needs of a very poorly little lad. I know each day we are bombarded by similar sad, needy causes, but we can actually see the benefits of our efforts because Nathan is local.

Shame on you, the organisations who are wealthy, but turn a blind eye, and to everybody who gives generously in the Farnworth and Bolton area, you deserve a huge pat on the back. We still have a long way to go, but I feel confident that we will achieve our aim and get Nathan the treatment he so rightly deserves.

Sharon Hillman

Harper Street

Farnworth, Bolton L