A SPECIAL gift has been given to help light up the life of little George Patterson.

Organisers of the Weymouth Sea Festival used proceeds from last year’s charity event to treat the Dorchester meningitis victim to some sensory lights.

Two fibre-optic lights, worth £250, are to be placed in George’s bedroom to provide him with visual stimulation.

George, aged one, was left partially deaf and with restricted movement in his limbs after contracting meningitis a year ago.

Former sea festival secretary Marion Targett, of Portland, said the festival’s committee made a unanimous decision to fund something that George would benefit from.

She said: “I was so taken by the picture of George and the rest of the committee said they wanted to give some of the funds to him.”

Marion got in touch with George’s mum Naomi Hillier, who was ‘over the moon’ to hear that George would get some special lights.

And when Marion presented the family with the lights, there was an extra bonus in store for George.

“Naomi said that George needed his first haircut and as I’m a part-time hairdresser, I said I’ll get my scissors from the car and cut his hair.”

A newly-shorn George was then presented with his lights.

Marion said: “We set the lights up for him.

“They’re very soothing and calm and as soon as George saw them, his eyes lit up.

“He’s such a handsome chap and his mum does so well – she’s very brave.

“I’ve got two sons who are grown men now and I just feel that everyone who has children would feel the same way about George.”

Weymouth Sea Festival – which is taking a break this year due to lack of support – will return next year, Marion said.

She hopes that more companies will come forward to sponsor the event in 2010 so more funds can be raised to help local people like George.

Marion added: “It was a big decision not to hold the festival this year.

“Last year was absolutely atrocious – I begged and pleaded for people to come and support us and for companies to sponsor us.

“Those people who did turn out in their wellies and umbrellas to give money put a lump in my throat because they helped make a difference for people like George.”