A CAFE owner is to give up part of his Christmas to take a sick little girl to Butlins after an appeal in the Echo.

Stephen Holford, 42, who runs the Utopia coffee lounge in Alexandra Street, Southend, has volunteered to take Skye Rickwood, seven, to the Bognor Regis holiday camp in Sussex.

He has given up two days of his own Christmas to take the youngster and her carers to Butlins.

Skye, of Mallards, Shoebury, suffers from infantile osteopetrosis, the worst form of a condition which causes brittle bones and has left her blind.

Mr Holford said: “When I read the appeal I couldn’t help being touched by the story.

“It was something I could do. These days we rarely do things for each other.

“When I contacted the carers, only two people had contacted them. I did feel sorry for them and I even contacted four charities I thought which may be able to help with funding.

“I have six children and have a seven-seater car. All I have to do is a couple of trial runs to see if Skye will be OK in the car.”

Skye’s illness will shorten her life. Her family’s plan is to try to take her to Butlins during school holidays to enjoy and react to the sound of other excited children.

Since the appeal in the Echo was published, several people have sent money to pay for the £1,200 cost of the holiday.

Family friend Mary Gilbert is in charge of fundraising.

She said: “I got involved after my daughter, Beverley Neil, 45, of Barnaby Road died last July.

“She was ill most of her life and, in my eyes, was an older version of Skye.

“We are just under £400 short of what we need, but we’ve had a few promises I hope will cover it.”

Anyone who can help with donations should ring 07947 634249.