Appeal to bring Christmas cheer to disabled girl after Sunderland street attack

A fundraising appeal has been set up to provide some Christmas cheer for a seven-year-old disabled girl targeted in a sickening street attack.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Dec 2016, 05:00 BST
Updated 17th Dec 2016, 08:18 BST
Dad Alan Dale with daughter Skye Preston who has been left shaken by the attack.Dad Alan Dale with daughter Skye Preston who has been left shaken by the attack.
Dad Alan Dale with daughter Skye Preston who has been left shaken by the attack.

Little Skye Preston, who has Down’s syndrome, was walking home from Sunderland Eye Infirmary on Queen Alexandra Road with dad Alan Dale, when a thug knocked her to the ground.

Skye was left badly shaken by the attack as police continue to hunt for the yob.

Skye Preston, seven, who has Downs Syndrome was attacked outside Sunderland Eye Infirmary.Skye Preston, seven, who has Downs Syndrome was attacked outside Sunderland Eye Infirmary.
Skye Preston, seven, who has Downs Syndrome was attacked outside Sunderland Eye Infirmary.
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Now a fundraising page has been set up by mum-of-two Georgia Carapiet, 32, from Hertfordshire, who said she was shocked to hear what happened to Skye, as a mother to a disabled child herself.

She was prompted to set up a Go Fund Me page to raise as much as possible for Skye so her family can buy her anything she wants, as well as posting some presents of her own to raise her spirits this Christmas.

Miss Carapiet, said: “It is heartbreaking when people are singled out because they are different, especially children.
“The story hit me personally because my four-year-old son has autism, delayed development and kidney problems, so I know exactly how Skye’s family must feel.

“I just thought I would set up the page to show her that they are people who are nice out there.”

Do you have any information about the incident?Do you have any information about the incident?
Do you have any information about the incident?
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Skye’s dad Alan Dale, from Bearpark, Durham, said it was good to hear that people cared about his daughter after Friday’s attack.

“It is really nice to hear,” the 34-year-old said.
“I think it is amazing what people can do.

“It will make a big difference to Skye and give her a nice boost.

“I just think it is amazing that people have set up these pages to show their support.

Fundraiser Georgina Carapiet with her two children, Jonjo Woolford, four, and Andrew Carapiet, seven.Fundraiser Georgina Carapiet with her two children, Jonjo Woolford, four, and Andrew Carapiet, seven.
Fundraiser Georgina Carapiet with her two children, Jonjo Woolford, four, and Andrew Carapiet, seven.
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“It was such a horrible attack so I just hope the police find out who did it.”

Police inquiries are continuing to trace the attacker, who is described by police as a male aged in his early 20s.

He was wearing a grey Nike hooded top with a large Nike logo on the front, grey tracksuit bottoms, black trainers with a gold Nike logo on and a black baseball cap.

Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 371 091216, or Crimestopppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To donate visit: https://www.gofundme.com/show-skye-the-kindness-of-the-world?ssid=840396474&pos=2

Related topics:Sunderland