Ruthin: 60 shops to help little girl with cerebral palsy receive life-changing treatment

Michelle Macdonald, a childminder from Ruthin, was discussing times passed with her mum when she realised a ‘spot the odd’ competition that she enjoyed as a child no longer took place.

The competition asked families to visit each of the town’s shops to find items in their shop window that would not normally be there and note it down.

In a "spur of the moment" decision, Ms Macdonald decided to restart that competition and proceeded to contact each of the town's shops.

Ms Macdonald, who run’s Michelle’s Daycare, said: “It was a spur of the moment thing. I was talking with my mum and we got onto the topic of the Spot the Odd competition that I remember taking part in as a child in the 90s.

“It had dwindled over the years and I thought it had stopped happening.”

Ms Macdonald decided to bring the competition back to give children something to do during the holidays and help to raise money for charity.

She has since signed up 60 businesses to the competition.

“This has all been done in the community,” she said.

Items that participants can look out for include a tin of Heinz Beans, tennis balls and Lego.

“The shopkeeper takes it upon themselves to place an odd item in the same window as their poster.

“Families might go to the butchers and find a Lego man. Some are very easy, and some are quite difficult – but it’s a lot of fun guessing!”

It is also hoped the competition will bring the community together and raise awareness of shops that might be of interest to residents that are unaware of their presence.

“I’ve seen shops that I’ve never seen before – and I’ve lived here for 30 years!” Ms Macdonald added.

Entry for the competition costs £1 with prizes for correct entries such as a £20 Harris' toyshop voucher, boxes and tubs of chocolates, shop vouchers, and jewellery, all donated by local businesses.

Ruthin library staff have also donated the printing of the event posters.

Ms Macdonald hopes the competition’s revival will also raise money for an eight-year-old Ruthin girl to receive a spinal operation in the United States - which could enable her to walk again.

Freya, an Ysgol Borthyn pupil, uses a walking frame and wheelchair after being diagnosed with cerebral palsy aged three.

A fundraiser launched by Freya's mum, Beth Woolford, for her daughter's operation needs to raise a further £7,000 to reach its overall £65,000 target.

“I chose Freya’s Freedom because they are so close to their cause after four years.

“I knew Freya’s mum as we went to the same primary school, though she was a few years below me.

“And I work with children, so I think there is no better charity.”

Ms Woolford said: “I am really touched that people want to help and that Freya is still in their minds.

“It's a real struggle for her to walk unaided and she has very poor balance and co-ordination. This means she falls over a lot and gets tired very quickly.

“She uses a walking frame and also has a wheelchair she uses for longer distances.

“She also wears AFO's on her legs which help to keep her stable.”

Freya has been offered the chance to go to St Louis in Missouri, the United States, to have Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery which could be life-changing.

“To see her walk, run and skip, jump in puddles, ride a bike, walk into school with her friends rather than holding on to a walking frame and maybe one day throw those AFO's in the bin,” Ms Woolford said.

““It has been a long journey but we’re pushing for that last bit we need.”

The 'Spot the Odd' will take place from October 27 to November 3.

Application forms can be found at Threads, Candy Shak, Just 4 Paws, Bakehouse, Beauty on the Square, and Wayfairer Wool Shop.

To donate to Freya’s Just Giving page, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/freyasfreedom