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Generous readers of The Shields Gazette have raised £9,000 in less than a month for a little girl who needs £15,000 for surgery on a facial deformity.

Editor Rob Lawson said: “I’m delighted with how the appeal has gone so far. £9,000 is a lot of money for round here.”

The newspaper picked up on the plight of four-year-old South Shields girl Katie Meehan after her parents were unable to get surgery for her on the NHS.

Professor Ian Jackson, who appeared in television documentaries about his work on a boy from Peru called David, has agreed to operate on Katie when he makes his annual visit to Britain in late March or early April providing the money is in place.

Mr Lawson said: “He is the only man who can help.”

Among the latest people to help out with the Cash for Katie appeal are the McNally family from Jarrow including TV actor, Michael, and musician, Tony.

They have donated a guitar autographed by celebrities Jimmy Nail, Denise Welch, Tim Healy and others at a recent concert in Newcastle, as well as a Lindisfarne tour jacket and other items promised by Century Radio.

All the goodies will be auctioned at the Brigham & Cowan Club in South Shields on February 29.

Tony McNally has already raised cash for the appeal through a sponsored drum clinic.

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