A CHILD’S suffering has motivated a Weymouth woman to appeal to the public to send cards to support her.

Julie Croley, from Weymouth, was inspired to act after reading the story of a 13-year-old girl in Perth, Australia.

She read online the story of a 13-year-old girl who suffered terrible abuse at the hands of a paedophile ring that was allegedly facilitated by her father.

Julie now wants people to send cards to show their support for the young girl and say how they are thinking of her.

Her son lives in Perth and she plans to visit him next year, when she hopes to be able to find a way for the girl to see them.

Julie hopes that the story touches people around the world so she can take as many cards as possible to show her support.

She said: “My son lives in Perth and I saw it as an opportunity to maybe do something to help. She’s only 13, it might help in a tiny way.”

Julie has fundraised and campaigned for many different causes including raising money for a young boy with a rare skin disease to swim with dolphins in 2010.

She also helped to raise £1,780 for the Dorchester Opportunity Group in 2004.

However, this campaign isn’t about money but raising support and she has written to her famous contacts that she has made through her fundraising as well to see if they will give their support or send a signature to show they are thinking of the girl.

She is urging everyone who can help to send a card.

She said: “My purpose in life is to help people, that is what I’m good at.

“I’m appealing to people, what is the cost of a card and a stamp? I want to have to take piles of cards with me."

Julie wants everyone to send messages of support and warm thoughts so that she can take them with her to Perth when she goes with her husband in January.

Julie’s son’s girlfriend works in child protection services in Perth and Julie hopes that through her they may be able to locate the girl.

Anyone who wants to send a message of support can do so to a PO Box that Julie has set up.

The number to send cards to is PO Box 9090 Weymouth, DT4 4GQ.

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830982

e: alex.peace@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @DorsetEchoAlex