A Canvey girl needs just £300 more to help her to communicate.

This is the shortfall left from a fundraising effort to help buy a talking machine for Serena Lester, nine, who suffers from cerebral palsy.

Serena uses a similar machine at Lancaster School, Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff where she is a pupil, and would be greatly helped by having one at home too.

Customers at the Monico, Eastern Esplanade, Canvey, dug deep into their pockets during a big charity night earlier in the year and raised £900 towards the machine.

Now there is only £300 left to raise and Serena's supporters are urgently appealing for help to meet their final target.

Mum Debbie, 38, said: "I'm thinking of ways to raise the money but if there's anyone who would like to do a sponsored bike ride or something, it would be a real help."

Anyone who can help with ideas should contact Debbie on 01268 681082 or Suzanne Gray at the Monico on 01268 683026.

Hug - Serena Lester gets a cuddle from mum Debbie

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