LIKE most couples celebrating 50 years of marriage, Dorothy and Francis Golden already have everything they need.

So for their special anniversary this year, the couple, who live in Portfield Gate, asked friends and family for donations instead of gifts.

The Goldens have given the £1000 raised to brain injured schoolgirl Shannon Folena, whose recovery has come on in leaps and bounds in recent weeks.

“I read about Shannon in the Western Telegraph, and I realised that she was a distant relative of ours,” said Dorothy. “I’d even met her when she was a little girl. At our age, we have everything we want, so I thought, right, let’s raise some money for Shannon instead of having presents.”

“We have five children and eight grandchildren, and they are fantastic,” added Francis. “When we came across this beautiful little girl’s story, well, you just have to help.”

Dorothy said she was “amazed” by the generosity of her nearest and dearest.

“When I was counting the money, I couldn’t believe how much there was,” she said. “It’s a wonderful amount.”

The Goldens invited Shannon and her parents, Fiona and Paul, to their home to hand over the cheque. The money will be spent on new software for Shannon’s eye gazer computer, which aids her rehabilitation.

“We are really grateful for this donation,” said Fiona. “It’s great that we can buy new software – Shannon is already finding the last software package too easy! We are so touched by all the help that people have given us.”

Fiona said that in the last six weeks, Shannon’s recovery has “really progressed”.

“She can move her legs and arms, she can stand up with support and she’s always giving us a huge smile. She has come on a long way,” explained the delighted mum. “It started about six weeks ago. It was like a switch being flicked.”