Raising cash for Lee - a piece of cake!

Super striker Lee, 24, of The Winter Knoll, appealed through the Gazette in April for help to raise 1,500 to pay for his flights, accommodation and meals at the competition in Lisbon.

In just one month that total has almost been reached, thanks to an amazing response from the public.

The largest contribution came from members of Wick's 50 Up Club who, through personal donations and a coffee morning with a 45-prize raffle, raised half the money '” 750.

Eileen Smart, the club's secretary, said: "Most of our members are parents and we saw Lee as a young man who is trying to help himself despite his disability so we wanted to support him.

"At first I wanted to raise at least 300 but I have just heard from our treasurer Jackie Burchell that the total raised is now 750 which is great.

"I would like to thank all the members and friends of the club for helping Lee and to the traders in Wick for donating raffle prizes."

Staff and customers at Littlehampton Swimming and Sports Centre, where Lee works as a lifeguard, have also been fundraising.

Customers at the centre's Tone Zone Gym have so far raised 122 and a five-a-side football competition on Saturday, May 5, organised by Robbie de Clare raised 97.78.

On May 26 Lee will take part in a biathlon with the rest of the Great Britain team, for which he has so far been sponsored 297 by his colleagues.

Sponsorship from Inspire Leisure has yet to be added to the total which is expected to reach the 1,500 Lee needs.

Having rocketed the Great Britain team to gold medals in the 2005 Deaflympics with 11 goals, he was the tournament's top scorer, Lee is confident that he can help the team do well again.

The former East Preston striker who currently plays for Lewes is keen to add another gold to his trophy collection which includes the BBC South Disabled Sportsman of the Year 2005.

He thanked everyone who has supported him.