Ref. 12413/1GAZETTE & HERALD: THE parents of toddler Zara Walker, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder, say the generosity of fundraising regulars at their local pub has left them overwhelmed.

Cheryl Walker, 29, and her 35-year-old husband Alistair, of Elm Hayes, in Corsham, were devastated when their two-year-old daughter was diagnosed with incurable Williams Syndrome shortly after she was born.

But Carol Fowler, landlady of Corsham's Cross Keys pub, and other regulars rallied round and raised £1,400 in just six weeks for the Williams Syndrome Foundation, which uses its cash for research into the condition and to help parents.

William's children have distinctive elfin features, including wide mouths, large eyes and upturned noses.

They also suffer from learning difficulties, short concentration spans and sometimes an obsessional interest in items, such as cars, trains and vacuum cleaners.

"The regulars here have been so generous and have really supported us," Mrs Walker, said.

"One of the fundraising ideas was a charity auction and we had people spending £30 or £40 on items that were worth far less.

"We were obviously upset when Zara was diagnosed, especially because it took me a long time to get pregnant, and for it to happen to your first child was very sad.

"But the doctor's have told us she could lead a normal life if the condition is on the lower side of the spectrum.

"I just want to say a big thank you to all the customers at the Cross Keys who have been so kind."

Mrs Walker said the hardest part of coming to terms with Zara's condition is that she is too young for doctors to know how badly it will affect her future.

"She is very, very affectionate and is a lovely little girl, but there is nothing we can do to help her, we just have to wait and see," she said.

"We don't know if she will ever be able to leave home, get married or one day have children of her own. All the things you hope your child will grow up to do."

Mrs Walker's father was landlord at the Cross Keys before Mrs Fowler took over five years ago, and the two families have remained close.

Traditionally the pub holds a charity fundraiser at Christmas time, and this year decided to donate the cash to the Williams Syndrome Foundation. But the pub's regulars were so enthusiastic with the idea of raising cash for an organisation that would help support Zara that a one off fundraiser turned into a succession of charity events.

There was a fancy dress evening on New Year's Eve, where Mr Walker, a delivery van driver, and his friend were sponsored to have their chests waxed in a 45-minute ordeal of excruciating agony.

Ten of the pub's more risqu male regulars posed in the buff for a special charity calendar, the darts team held a raffle and bottles of booze, jackets and football jerseys were also auctioned off.