WE MAKE a great team! Throughout '95 the Citizen has strived to bring you the stories that touch everyone's heart.

And thanks to you - our caring readers - it's been a year to remember for many of the people featured in our pages.

Time and again you pulled out all the stops to boost our appeals on behalf of people in need, and let those facing trauma know somebody cares. DYLAN Wildman's Disney dream struck a chord with the whole community. Hours after the Citizen dropped through letterboxes cash donations were pledged and fundraising events organised. In just six weeks the six-year-old, who is fighting leukaemia, had more than £2,000 for the trip of a lifetime to Disney World in Florida.

His parents Caroline and Russell were delighted at the response to their son's story.

Said Caroline: "The trip really made his year and helped him to fight back and keep strong. We will always be grateful for the kindness shown by the Citizen and its readers."

East Lancashire Contact Centre in Russia Street, Accrington, received a Christmas boost when the trustees of the Hyndburn Sick and Poor pledged £1,000 to our appeal to equip the new centre.

"It's great," said Joan Dawson, centre co-ordinator. "I never believed the centre could improve so much in such a short time. Thanks to everyone who has helped."

Other donations of cash and furniture are now with the Sorpotimist volunteers who run the service. The centre, the only one of its kind in Lancashire, provides a safe and neutral place where children of separated or divorced parents can meet their mum or dad on a regular basis.

You raised an astonishing £1,200 in just five days to buy disabled teenager Louise Briggs a lightweight electric wheelchair.

Louise, of Manchester Road, Accrington, suffers from cerebral palsy and her health is gradually deteriorating.

But independent Louise studies for A levels at Accrington and Rossendale College and loves sport.

She said: "I want to thank everyone with all my heart for what they did. I feel like a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders."

The Duane Jarman Appeal received a boost from Citizen readers, helping the Accrington youngster who suffers from cerebral palsy, pay for vital treatment in America.

Previous fund-raising had dried up, but our article gave it a boost.

Mum Caroline said: "Thanks to the article, people know about Duane. Some have sent us letters and cash, others have just popped in to ask how he is. All this is very welcome."

Citizen power also helped another Blackburn battler, Glenn Challenger.

An appeal in the newspaper for a bone marrow donor last year may have saved the brave four-year old's life.

"We couldn't have done it without the Citizen," said Glen's mum Sharon. "The publicity given to Glenn helped us find a suitable donor. I would recommend any parent in a similar position to get in touch with their local newspaper straight away."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.