Pride of Guernsey: 'So grateful for her efforts'
WHEN Michaela Fallaize heard about the plight of Jonah Gillingham and the mountain of fundraising that was needed, she popped around to see Jonah's mum Sonia and offered to help.
Sonia said while Michaela was not a direct neighbour, she had been wonderful.
'She's done many things,' she said.
'Michaela has selflessly devoted hours and hours of her time organising numerous fundraising events and functions and spreading awareness. She has organised several events, including Tea Time with Santa last December, a quiz night, the Smarties tube challenge for pre-schools, a '60s ball at St Pierre Park and has delivered, collected and counted numerous bucket donations from around the island to raise funds.'
Michaela also set up a Facebook page, with events and information, through which she was continuing to raise awareness and organised more events to help Jonah.
Jonah was diagnosed with a rare disease – atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome – last year, after surviving leukaemia.
The medicine to treat it, Eculizumab, costs £300,000 a year. But that money has to be fundraised.
'Michaela's determination, inspiration and support has gone above and beyond the call of duty and we are so grateful for her continued efforts,' said Sonia in nominating her for the Swoffers-sponsored Neighbour of the Year Award.
