A FUNDRAISER in aid of seriously ill teenager Courtney Thurman was held this weekend.

Scores of shoppers gathered at Tesco, Ocotal Way, for a tombola to raise funds for Courtney and her family.

A selection of prizes including a barbecue, Pandora charms, hair styling sessions, chocolates and fashion vouchers were available to win, donated by businesses including Arkells, FreeDog, Tesco, Game, Homebase and Wickes

The event was organised by Pinehurst neighbour and close friend of the family Jill Davis.

Jill was joined on the stall by fellow family friend Emma Craig and her daughters Chelsea and Jamie. Jamie donned an elephant suit to attract more visitors to the stall.

Courtney, affectionately known as Booey suffered a severe head injury following a crash in the early hours of Saturday (AUG 13) on private land near Baydon.

The 17-year-old was rushed to Southampton General Hospital and placed in an induced coma to be treated for brain swelling.

Although hopes were initially raised Courtney could continue her recovery in Swindon, she will undergo rehabilitation in Southampton.

Jill said Courtney had made significant progress since her accident.

“Courtney is doing much better, she recognises all her family and she’s walking well too. The only problem is her short-term memory, she will see someone and forget it literally five minutes later which has been upsetting for the family,” she said.

“At the same time they are relieved because she has made such progress.

“We’re really pleased with how today has gone. There’s been a real buzz around the stall, lots of shoppers coming over and there have been loads of winners already.

“We’re happy with £10, we’d be happy with £1,000, it doesn’t matter, as long as we’re helping the family out in any way we can. They are so grateful for all the support they, it means the world to them.”

To help the family deal with their daily 124-mile round trip the close-knit Pinehurst community vowed to ease the pressure with donations towards travel and hotel costs.

Keeping the kids entertained was face-painting and postman and part-time children’s entertainer Paul Tinsley, AKA Jacko. He was joined by money puppet Nunkie.

“I know the family so of course I wanted to help out in any way that I can,” said Paul.

“It must be so hard for them to keep going and by doing this we’re helping them out which is a great thing.”

To donate to Courtney’s appeal visit https://www.gofundme.com/2jzq3f7y