After hearing about the heroic efforts of firefighters to raise funds to help the family of six-year-old Poppy Cundy, the president of a western dance club in Orwell decided he wanted to help out.

Don Jeffries, president of Rogers Rebels Western Dance Club, heard about the firefighters climbing the height of Mount Everest on a scaffolding tower at Royston Tesco, and decided that his club should chip in a contribution to help Poppy’s family get special walking equipment to help her muscles develop.

Every club member agreed and a special social evening was arranged for Poppy, who has dyskinetic cerebral palsy, to visit Orwell Village Hall to enjoy the country and western music and dance demonstration at which a cheque for £400 was presented to the family.

Tom Harland from the dance club, which meets weekly, said: “A most enjoyable evening to remember was enjoyed by everyone present with the club members thanking Don and the Royston firefighters for the opportunity to help Poppy.”

Anyone wishing to donate can help Poppy by visiting Facebook page www.facebook.com/helppoppywalk.

Poppy’s mum Zoe said: “Poppy loves music and dancing and really enjoyed watching them dance.

“She also loved eating the cupcakes they provided for refreshments during the evening.

“They gave her a CD with music on and she loves listening to it in the car.

“We are very grateful to Rogers Rebels and Janet and Don Jeffries for giving us a cheque of £400 to help with Poppy’s intense physio sessions.

“Poppy was made a lifetime member and we will be visiting them again soon as Poppy wants to see them all dancing again.”

Poppy’s cerebral palsy affects all four limbs and means she can’t do things that many take for granted, like walk, run, sit unaided, feed or dress herself.