A NINE-year-old girl was so touched by the story of brain-damaged Southampton father-of-three Wayne Howard she sold her own toys to help him.

Caring Heather Ghanouni, of Alfred Street, Southampton, organised a table-top sale at St Mary's Church where she sold her own things as well as donated items and cakes baked by her 12-year-old sister Amber.

The sale raised £40, which Heather split between the Daily Echo-backed Wayne Howard Appeal and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature.

Heather said she felt for Wayne and his family. "When I heard about what happened to Wayne it made me feel sad because he's got three children and I have a dad, so I know what it would feel like." she said.

Wayne's partner Tracy Goodwin, 35, was delighted with Heather's help with the campaign.

She said: "It was brilliant. When kids get involved in the appeal you just can't believe it. It is heart-warming to know people care so much about Wayne."

Wayne was a daredevil motorcyclist and martial arts expert before a cruel biking accident severely damaged his brain. Afterwards he also had to have his right leg amputated. The accident has also affected his memory so he is sometimes unable to recognise his own children, Jayd, 10, Jordan, 8, and Connor, 4.

The family are praying a German clinic specialising in treating brain damage sufferers can make a vital difference to Wayne and their quality of life. But the treatment costs £25,000, which is where the Daily Echo- backed Wayne Howard Appeal comes in.

Daily Echo readers who want to offer a helping hand can send donations to the Wayne Howard Appeal Fund, 16 Railway Cottages, Tate Road, Old Redbridge, Southampton, SO15 0NL. Cheques should be made payable to the Wayne Howard Appeal. Please do not send cash.

Readers who want to organise fundraising events should contact Wayne's mum, Isobel, on 07986 352532. If you are holding an event, please let us know - contact Gareth Lewis on 023 8042 4499 or e-mail using the link above.