$l200 raised for boy

Press, 15 July 1978, Page 3

$l200 raised for boy

From

JOHN ROSS

in London

A 10-year-old Christchurch boy and his mother have found many friends in London, friends who have subscribed more than $l2OO to assist them. Mrs Joyce Roome, of Beckenham, arrived in London with her son, Steven, on Wednesday with one aim — to introduce the blond youngster to other children who, like Stephen, have no arms. In the next few weeks he [will meet and mix with i other armless children, in ! the hope that he will be . encouraged to persevere with his disability. ' Steven was born without (arms, and it was thought i that it might be helpful for I him to find out how those

with a similar problem manage to cope. The Roome family emigrated to New Zealand from south London 14 years ago, and some of Mr Roome’s old friends in London aim to ensure that Steven will not forget his trip. Constable John Sherlock, of the City of London Police Force set about planning a few surprises when he heard that his friend’s wife and son were heading for LonIdon. Word of Steven’s penciling visit spread quickly, and the police, as well as London Transport staff raised money. Steven will spend two days at police headquarters, see the horses and dogs, and have a ride in a police patrol car. .

■ Assisted by a colleague, Constable Sherlock has also arranged for Steven and his mother to visit the City Mansion House, meet the Lord Mayor or Lady Mayoress, travel in a special bus to Windsor, experience London Transport’s “skid pad” in another bus, ride alongside the driver in one of London’s underground trains, visit a speedway ground, and look over H.M.S. Belfast, the cruiser moored in the Pool of London. Constable Sherlock hopes to take Mrs Roome and Steven to a South Coast resort for a holiday next month, and perhaps arrange a trip on a cross-Channel hovi»rcraft. _ I