Dentist's campaign on track

Simon Sobhani has been raising money for more than a year

A campaign to raise £20,000 so an Iranian toddler can receive the first phase of specialist medical treatment has reached the halfway mark.

Llanidloes dentist Simon Sobhani intends to pay for three-year-old Mohammed Reza to receive two-to-three years' treatment in London.

Mr Sobhani has already raised £11,500 through various events.

He has organised a national raffle too and he has sent 9,000 books of tickets to dental colleagues across the UK.

The winning ticket will be pulled out of the hat at a draw at a spring ball to raise more money for Mohammed.

Mr Sobhani's long-term goal is to collect £50,000 to fund the entirety of the youngster's treatment which is likely to start in late March.

We're hoping that we will have raised £20,000 by spring next year Simon Sobhani

Mohammad, from Parasar in northern Iran, lost a hand and arm below the elbow when his arms became trapped in a tin roof press.

Mr Sobhani, 41, witnessed the accident in June last year while on holiday in native Iran.

"We're hoping that we will have raised £20,000 by spring next year," said Mr Sobhani.

"We've managed to collect £11,500 so far, so we're just over halfway there.

"I expect Mohammad will need about two or three years of treatment."

Mr Sobhani launched the Mohammed Reza Appeal Fund after returning home from his holiday.

He contacted Queen Mary's Hospital in London and explained his intentions. But because Mohammad lives outside Europe, he will have to pay and doctors want £10,000 for his initial treatment.

People in Llanidloes have been 'very generous'

Mr Sobhani said his patients had been "very generous."

"I have a sign in my surgery which gives details of the appeal and, as a result, I've had cheques for £100 from people and others have attended various events I've held to raise money," he added.

"People have been very generous and we've also received help from the Rotary Club and the church in Llanidloes."