COMMUNITY-SPIRITED Halesowen businesses have joined forces to help a one-year-old girl who is fighting cancer.
Into the Dragon Vape Shop, Carly's Café, Options Barbershop, Lola's Loft, Dancer's, and Something Quirky are rallying behind Summer Barber, who is battling Neuroblastoma at Birmingham City Children's Hospital.
They are backing a campaign called 'Bows for Summer' and are selling hair bows to raise funds and awareness for Summer's treatment and to help her family.
They are also staging fundraisers of their own.
Dave Dancer, who is the owner of Dancer's on Halesowen High Street is a close friend of Summer's family and has been at the forefront of efforts.
Dave has participated in physical challenges and organized activities at Empower Martial Arts dojo in Stourbridge to boost the fundraising drive.
Dave said: "This is more than just a campaign; it's a testament to our community's heart and strength.
"Every bow sold is a symbol of hope and support for Summer and her family."
Other efforts include Paul Wheeler from Into the Dragon Vape Shop, who had his head shaved at an event hosted by Hasbury Conservative Club.
The campaign has also seen fundraisers at Halesowen Athletics Club and the Hunting Tree Pub, a marathon run by Annette Flett as well as a raffle at Fleeked Out hair and beauty salon in Peckingham Street.
Summer's family, including her parents Steven and Charlotte and her siblings are supporting efforts.
A GoFundMe page started by Dave Dancer has already raised £1.5k of its £2k target and a separate fundraiser has raised £9.6k of its £10k target.
Amy Crumpton and Steven's sister Christine Millet, who used to work at Asda in the Cornbow Centre have completed challenges including a mud run and Christine's son Ted and his football team Cradley Town have staged a raffle.
Dave said: "Any donations, big or small, are greatly appreciated and will go a long way in supporting Summer and her family during this difficult journey."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here