ONE woman who has more reason than most to want a hydrotherapy pool at Barrs Court School has in the last couple of months raised a staggering £7,000 for the appeal.

Gwen Haile, whose daughter Kerry will be starting at Barrs Court in September, was so shocked by conditions at the school when she visited that she decided then and there to start fund-raising.

Her first event was a six-mile sponsored walk which brought in £1,400, while a pig roast and auction two weeks ago raised an enormous £5,600.

Friends and family bid for the 80-plus lots, among them a signed Hereford United ball and a Lake District holiday, while generous donations from local businesses ensured that costs stayed low and funds climbed high.

Support for the Hydrosense appeal is not limited to those directly affected. People around the county have been inspired to do their bit, unable to ignore the very real need for a life-saving facility.

One of these is Tim Hawkins, of Fine Furniture, who has designed and made a bookcase for the appeal, which will be auctioned at Saturday's Round Table Ball at Hampton Court in aid of Hydrosense.