Derbyshire businessman’s amazing 10k gift for op to help Kareena Hayes walk again – Derby Telegraph

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For Kareena Hayes, it's the best news she could have received.

Just days ago, the nine-year-old's family was devastated when a charity box containing cash for an operation to help her walk unaided was stolen from a Borrowash cafe.

But now Kareena, who has cerebral palsy, says she feels "amazed" after a local businessman, who wished to remain anonymous, came forward with the 10,000 needed for the op.

Kareena was left heartbroken when thieves smashed their way into the Marmalade and Tea cafe in Derby Road between last Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning and stole the collection box, which had a photo of her on it.

The Derby Telegraph ran a front-page story on the cruel theft on Saturday, headlined "How could they?".

Without the operation Kareena might never have walked again. But the 10,000 means private treatment to get Kareena walking can start.

Kareena, who lives in Long Eaton with her dad, Craig Hammond, said: "This is amazing. I can't believe it. It's fantastic and means an awful lot.

"It will change my life forever. I want to thank the person so much." Mr Hammond, who is her full-time career, said he felt "speechless" when he heard the news.

The treatment will take place at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham and will make her legs stronger so she can walk unaided.

Mr Hammond said: "I cannot believe it. I'm so happy. I want to thank this man from the bottom of my heart. He has changed our lives.

"There was a huge burden and stress on my mind thinking about how we were going to afford to pay for this treatment. I feared I would never see my daughter walk.

"Now all of that has changed and she is likely to be strong.

"I want to thank the Derby Telegraph for taking on our story. Without the newspaper, this would not be possible. I also want to thank everybody else who has already donated."

Kareena and her father have now returned to the cafe to tell them the good news.

Mr Hammond said: "We've had a cup of tea and a bit of cake with them and told them thank you for helping. We bought them some flowers as well.

"It's amazing. I'm so happy at what has happened. This will make our lives so much better."

Kareena was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was one. Medics at the QMC advised the family that an operation called a selective dorsal rhizotomy could help her.

It is aimed at easing muscle stiffness and improving mobility in cerebral palsy sufferers. The operation only became available in the UK 18 months ago.

A charity box for the appeal has also been placed at the Coach and Horses pub in Draycott. A quiz night and raffle has been organised at the pub on Sunday, February 26, at 7pm. Prizes include two Derby County match tickets.

Police are linking the charity box incident with a similar one at a shop in Derby Road on the same night in which a charity box was also taken, along with sweets.

A Derbyshire police spokesman said anybody who has information on either incident should call the force on 101.

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Derbyshire businessman's amazing 10k gift for op to help Kareena Hayes walk again - Derby Telegraph