Help make Caleb’s wishes come true
A fund-raising dinner is being held in Altona Meadows next Tuesday for a boy with a rare and progressive disorder. Altona Superclinic practice manager Sharon Elves has organised the event for Caleb Taylor, her 15-year-old second cousin, who has Friedreich’s ataxia. The neurological degenerative disorder affects a person’s co-ordination, mobility, speech and heart function. “Everyone’s really worried,” Ms Elves said. “It’s sort of hit home. We’ve all got kids, and it’s really hard to find something out at this stage of someone’s life, knowing that his life might be shortened considerably.” A three-course dinner will be held at Red Spoon, to help raise money for specialists, operations, and for Caleb’s wheelchair and other future care. Ms Elves said Caleb also had a list of things he wanted to do, like skydiving. “I think he’s really in a rush to do some things that he feels he’ll never get to do, never have the opportunity to do. I think, from his point of view, just being a kid for as long as he can.” For bookings and donations, contact 0435 143 698.
Former mayor’s life honoured
Rotarian, Liberal stalwart and former Williamstown mayor Jeff Bird (27/08/1938 – 06/10/2012) has been remembered as a man full of wit and generosity. A founding member and president of the Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand, Mr Bird was district governor and heavily involved in the community of Melbourne’s west. His memorial service will be held at Williamstown Town Hall at 1.30pm on Monday.
Man sought over syringe threat
Altona detectives are appealing for help from the public to track down a man who used a syringe to hold up staff at a Werribee cafe in August. Police from the Altona North Embona taskforce say the man entered the Duncans Road premises shortly after 6am on August 29. He was brandishing a syringe and demanded cash from the till, before leaving on foot, empty handed. The man is described as Caucasian, in his 30s, with short, dark-blond or brown hair, blue eyes and a thin build. He has a gaunt face with acne scars on his cheeks and a faded tattoo on his left wrist. Information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
