Wedding dress gifted to Valencia

A former Rotorua woman has donated a new wedding dress to sick Valencia Davies in the hope someone can alter it for the young girl.

Christina Roigard is to give the dress to Valencia, who is suffering from a rare skin condition, because she wanted to help make her feel special and pretty.

Mrs Roigard said she bought the dress online before her wedding but discovered after it arrived that it didn't suit her so she opted for something else.

After reading about the 9-year-old's life-threatening skin condition, SJS (Stevens Johnson Syndrome), Mrs Roigard decided not to sell the dress.

She said she instead had an idea to give the dress to Valencia in the hope a dressmaker or fashion design student could turn it into something special for her.

"I've had skin irritations before and at that age she is probably really sensitive about how she looks being all scarred up. I hope it makes her feel pretty and special."

Valencia's mother, Ene Mikaere, said she could not believe the generous offer.

"She is a real girly girl, so she will love it ... That's so awesome."

Meanwhile, Mrs Mikaere said her daughter was fighting hard to be released from Rotorua Hospital.

She said while Valencia's skin was looking better, her lips were still bad from the sores.

She said she hoped to be out by Saturday, in time for the family fun day being held at Owhata Primary School to raise money for Valencia's recovery.

"She can't wait. She already has her outfit picked out and her make up ready."

Mrs Mikaere, who returned to part-time work yesterday at Countdown, said the family had been overwhelmed with support since Valencia's story was first published in the Rotorua Daily Post on Saturday.

Eleanor Mahaki, who has co-ordinated the fundraising effort, said there had been a great response from the public with donations of items and money.

So far the Givealittle page had raised $1340 and $859 was donated into an initial bank account set up to collect funds.

* Any dressmakers who would like to donate their time to alter the dress for Valencia should called Eleanor Mahaki (021) 353 267.

How can you help?
Donate at https://givealittle.co.nz/donate/Cause/valenciasroad2recovery.
The family fun day is being held at Owhata Primary School from 10am to 2pm on Saturday. Any donations and contributions can be taken to Owhata Primary School. Contact Eleanor Mahaki with queries.