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Kent & Sussex Courier, Friday 27 January 1978.
Appeal has taken Rusthall by Storm.
It's the biggest thing to happen to Rusthall in years. It is the
charity appeal launch from the "Oak" public house on behalf of
Martyn Styles, the boy who must go to Russia for a major operation
if he is not to go blind.
Fifteen year old Martyn is already deaf and has inherited retinal
pigmentosa - a disease which if not arrested will leave him in a
world of total silence and darkness.
Only the Russians have a cure for the disease and £1,500 is needed
to get him to that country for treatment.
By accident the licensee of the pub, Keith and Pam Smith, heard of
Martyns plight during a conversation with a sister over Christmas.
"We have invited our staff in for a drink and Martyn's sister,
Linda, came along with Martyn and his mother and father," said
Keith.
I had no idea that Martyn was in danger of going blind until Linda
produced some press cuttings. Immediately we decided we had to do
something.
Since 1976 when they arrived at the pub the couple have gained a
reputation as champion fundraisers.
Between July 1976 and the Christmas of the same year they collected
a total of £370 for a pensioners party.
Last year £290 was collected for a repeat performance.
The Martyn Styles appeal needed no pushing.
"It has been a most staggering and most moving experience of my life
... the generosity of people has been overwhelming," said Keith.
"One of the most wonderful things to happen involved one of the
smallest donations. I received a letter from an old age pensioner in
which she said she received the food parcel from us and wanted to
contribute 30p for Martyn.
"I mentioned this to one of the regulars who explained that the lady
concern was 98, almost blind and living on the most meagre income.
Since the appeal was launched from the "Oak," donations have poured
in, Keith said that between £15 and £25 has been arriving everyday
and a local company, which refuses to be named, have given a cheque
for £1,000.
Sponsored darts matches, jumble sales, charity rugby matches and
bottles in pubs throughout Tunbridge Wells bear testimony to the
sympathy that people have for the hitherto unknown boy from the
Sherwood Estate.
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