THE Comet appeal to raise funds for 10-year-old Cameron Harrison has smashed its target by more than £1,000 in just three weeks. Cameron s parents Jon and Karen had asked Comet readers to help them raise £7,000 to improve the youngster s quality of life.

THE Comet appeal to raise funds for 10-year-old Cameron Harrison has smashed its target by more than £1,000 in just three weeks.

Cameron's parents Jon and Karen had asked Comet readers to help them raise £7,000 to improve the youngster's quality of life.

They had thought their plea might get them a few hundred pounds but this week the total raised reached £8,148.

Mrs Harrison said the amount was "amazing".

She added: "It's over and above any expectation that we had. We're just overwhelmed, we just can't believe it.

"I just want to say thank you so, so much for everyone's generosity."

The total includes £2,700 collected by members of Hitchin Rugby Club, of which Jon Harrison is a member.

Some of the funds raised were handed over to the Harrisons last week and have already started making a difference to Cameron's life.

His parents have hired a motorised therapy centre which gives Cameron, who is blind, deaf and unable to walk and speak, the sense of riding a bike.

It can move his legs for him or let him pedal it himself and has a special function to deal with the muscle spasms he suffers from.

The machine has proved such a hit with Cameron that Mr and Mrs Harrison will now use some of the money raised to buy it for him.

Mrs Harrison said: "This really will make such a difference to Cameron. He's already enjoying the benefit of having his bike and enjoying the fun of riding again."

A tail lift for the Harrisons' car has also been ordered and will be fitted within the next few weeks.

This will allow Cameron to enjoy days out with his family by lifting his wheelchair directly into the vehicle.

The extra money raised in the appeal will be used to have the front door to the family's house in Frensham Drive, Hitchin, widened to allow Cameron's wheelchair to be moved in and out more easily.