THE appeal to help Carlton Colville youngster Owen Baldry realise his dream of walking unaided has reached another major milestone this week – after breaking through the �30,000 barrier.

The Owen's Wish2walk appeal was launched on January 20, with a target of �50,000.

But since then Owen's parents Carl and Sacha Baldry have been astounded by the way that people have rallied round to support their fund-raising efforts, with donations continuing to pour in.

Mr Baldry told The Journal: 'I'm happy to announce that we are now clear of �30,000. The exact total is now �32,000, but we do have a lot of money that should be coming in over the next few weeks.'

The appeal was set up by the Baldrys to raise the �50,000 needed to send three-year-old Owen to America for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy surgery, which could help him walk unaided for the first time. The treatment, to be carried out at a hospital in St Louis, is not currently available to Owen on the NHS.

This week, the family, who live in Dorley Dale, received backing from Lowestoft-based Five One Taxis after one of the drivers mentioned Owen to boss John Lock, and he came up with the idea of a '1000 club'.

Mr Lock hopes to raise �10,000 for Owen by displaying posters promoting the appeal in all of the firm's taxis and encouraging passengers to make donations of �10 – with �250 already raised. Five One taxis is also putting a link to Owen's appeal on its website, so when people book a taxi online they can also donate if they wish to.

Meanwhile, the appeal has been boosted by a number of local fund-raising events.

'We had a good day bag packing in ASDA and raised �650,' Mr Baldry said. 'A bring and buy sale was also arranged on Monday at Pakefield church hall toddler group and this raised �105.'

On Saturday, April 21, a fun night was held at Oulton Community Centre by Cantor's 4 Kids. 'Cantor entertainments put on a fabulous show, and I mean fabulous!' Mr Baldry added. 'All the people involved donated all their time free for Owen and raised over �800. We're very grateful to everyone.'

The events continue this evening, with a 'bike night' which will see a group of cyclists in fancy dress collecting donations in Lowestoft and Oulton Broad, starting at the Trowel and Hammer pub at 6.30pm.

On Sunday, Carlton AFC will be playing a fund-raising football match against Trowel and Hammer FC at the Corton village playing fields at 2pm.

After the match, there will presentation, at The Carlton pub in London Road South with a party and disco throughout the evening. Admission is free.

? To help the appeal or to organise a fund-raising event, ring Mr Baldry on 07916 859358. To donate online, visit www.justgiving.com/owenswish2walk or www.owenwish2walk.co.uk