THREE enterprising children set up shop at their school fayre this week in a bid to bring a smile to the face of a Clydebank toddler.
Erin and Matthew Roberts, together with friend Bethany Molloy, sold home-made jewellery and cakes at the St Eunan’s Primary fayre on Saturday as they raised cash for the Moebius Trust.
The girls, aged seven, and nine-year-old Matthew were inspired to fundraise for the trust after the Roberts’ little cousin Jacob Rowan was born with the condition that prevents him from smiling, or creating facial expressions.
Two year-old Jacob was born with Moebius Syndrome which means his sixth and seventh cranial nerves are underdeveloped. These nerves give people the ability to smile, blink and move their eyes from side to side.
Jacob’s mother Leanne Orr told the Post her toddler had defied so many obstacles and symptoms caused by Moebius Syndrome, including the club foot he was born with.
Explaining Jacob is as boisterous and as happy as any other two-year-old boy, Leanne said: “He is getting better. He never used to be able to blink but now he can. When he is five he will need ‘smile surgery’ where they take muscles from his legs and put those into his cheeks, helping him to smile.
“But he is very advanced. Some kids aren’t able to walk until they are three or four. He has reached all of his milestones early; he’s very clever.” Doting older cousins Matthew ands Erin and pal Bethany know the Moebius Research Trust is working hard to fund vital research into the condition in a bid to find a cure and treatments.
The youngsters were industrious in recent weeks, making bracelets and key rings from colourful loom bands as well as tasty treats, Baking up a storm in the kitchen, the trio also used their stall to sell Mars Bar Crispy cakes, tablet and cupcakes.
Together they raised £201 for the trust and distributed dozens of information leaflets on Moebius Syndrome, ensuring locals are as well informed on the condition as they are.
Catherine Roberts, aunt to Jacob and mum to Erin and Matthew, said she was delighted St Eunan’s had been so supportive of the children’s venture.
She said: “My sister and I did a 10k last year for the charity and ever since then the girls have not stopped talking about fundraising. We approached the school and asked could we have a stall to raise a little bit of money and awareness of Moebius Syndrome because it’s not that well known.” The three social entrepreneurs were delighted with people’s generosity throughout the fayre, which was held in the school hall between 11am and 2pm on Saturday.
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