A LOCAL family says it has been “overwhelmed” by the incredible support it has received from generous members of the public and neighbours.

Gary and Katherine Coates set up Sarah’s Bedroom Appeal and reached out for support, which people have kindly given them.

Sarah’s Bedroom Appeal has been raising funds for an extension for a downstairs bedroom and bathroom for their daughter Sarah, from Shobrooke, who has Kufs Disease.

While the £40,000 target has been reached, the excess over the target will help to pay for a hoist, towards a larger bed, curtains, furniture and other items. It will also help pay towards providing an accessible outdoor area in the garden.

Generous members of the public, including many “Crediton Courier” readers, raised or donated £16,718 towards the appeal and it was just a few months ago that the family received what it described as “amazing news”, that the RAF Benevolent Fund had agreed to donate £26,000 to the appeal.

Two recent and very successful fundraising events, ShoFest, at the Red Lion, Shobrooke and a Charity Ballroom and Latin Tea Dance held at Newton St Cyres Parish Hall, helped to take the fundraising over the target.

Building works have been moving apace at the Coates family home thanks to Cliff Cousins and Andy Chapple of PlazTech Home Improvements of Tiverton.

The base of the extension was laid and the walls put up in recent weeks and recently the roof went on the extension, which also houses a small bedroom for a night-time carer.

Katherine Coates recently said: “We have been overwhelmed by the incredible support.

“You have shown us such compassion, help and friendship we feel so lucky.”

She mentioned those who organised recent events, including an apple pressing day, the team dance and Shofest.

Katherine continued: “When we moved to Shobrooke more than eight years ago, Tom and Sarah used to enjoy walking the dogs around the local footpaths and were frequent visitors to the Red Lion.

“In 2015 Sarah married Ryan at St Swithun’s Church, she was so excited she virtually ran up the aisle and her dad had to slow her down!

“We knew of their diagnosis at that time, but being such a rare disease (they are the only known two people with Kufs Disease in Europe), we had little information about what to expect and the speed of the degeneration. We have a blog, Kufs Disease on ‘Facebook’, to try and share information.

“Tom and Sarah now have epilepsy, dementia, have no control of their limbs and have a PEG fitted for medication and nutrition.

“They smile a lot, love company, listening to stories and watching movies.

“Sarah was assessed by the medical team in 2019 and was told she needed to be downstairs.

“She has been in a hospital bed in the dining room since August 2018 and we have been trying to raise funds from the beginning of this year for a downstairs bedroom extension.

“With your help we have reached her target and the build has started!

“This is so exciting for our family and we could not have done this without your help - thank you.

“Sarah is excited about planning her room, she loves purple and beaches, so we have a theme!

“Weather permitting, we are hoping she will be in her room by Christmas. (This will be something positive to aim for as we cared for her Gramps before he died with us at Christmas last year.)

“Thank you seems such small words for something that has so much impact.”

“Heartfelt thanks”, Gary and Katherine Coates.