Birmingham youngsters Priya and Aaron Chote give sufferers a boost in memory of their mum

Jan 3 2008 By Poppy Brady, Birmingham Mail

TWO youngsters who were devastated by the death of their mum four years ago have channelled their grief into raising thousands of pounds to help sufferers of Motor Neurone disease.

Priya Chote was 13 and her little brother Aaron just seven when their mum Neelam died from the disease at the age of 36.

Together with their dad Amrik and step-mum Kay, the family, from Sutton, are well on the way to achieving their goal of raising £100,000.

The total was boosted by £37,000 from an 80s-style themed party to buy much-needed equipment for Motor Neurone sufferers.

Neelam Chote received the best possible care at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital, but her dying wish was to make sure that other sufferers of the disease had access to equipment that would improve their quality of life in their final days.

Aaron, now 11, who is a pupil at Edgbaston's Priory School, said: "I remember Christmas 2003 when it was our last one with our mum and knowing that she wasn't going to be around next year was a very bitter pill to swallow.

"Being able to organise an event like this gives me a real sense of satisfaction that my family and I are able to help to make a difference."

The family hopes to buy some non-invasive ventilation equipment, along with cough assist machines and two powered wheelchairs.

Dr Hardev Pall, a consultant neurologist and senior lecturer at the QE, welcomed the news.

The 80s-themed party was held at the Conference Suite, in Thomas Street, West Bromwich. ..SUPL: