A FIVE-year-old pupil of a primary school in South Oxhey has begun a collection for a local child who suffers from the rare disabling condition, Rett Syndrome.

Murika Shore, a pupil of Woodhall School in Woodhall Lane, South Oxhey, was reduced to tears earlier this month when her grandmother read her a feature in The Watford Observer detailing the condition and suffering of Murika's headteacher's four-year-old daughter, Ruby Westmoreland.

Ruby was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome a complex medical condition which affects the physical and mental stages of a childs development, affecting their ability to think, move and learn at the age of 11 months old.

On recognising Ruby's photo in the article, Murika immediately requested her grandmother, Mrs Valerie Gay, read it to her.

Mrs Gay of Liphook Road, South Oxhey said: "Murika is an extremely sensitive child who empathises with everyone.

"On hearing about Ruby's condition, she broke into floods of tears insisting she must help."

She said Murika has already raised £50 with the help of an older friend.

This is the latest in a long line of help for others by the young girl.

Mrs Gay said: "Murika took centre stage at a country and western evening held last week at Ruislip Football Club, where she and her 14-year-old friend, Becky Alldis, made a heart-felt plea to the audience to assist Ruby and others with Rett Syndrome."

Murika and her parents look forward to presenting a cheque for £70 to Mrs Susan Westmoreland on behalf of the Rett Syndrome Association at the school next week.

Anyone interested in making a donation to the charity can do so by contacting the school office on 020 8428 3447.

October 30, 2001 15:30