Yanks very much!

7:05am Monday 30th April 2007

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THEY don't always get the best of press, sometimes accused of being rude, noisy and overbearing.

But don't believe all you hear about the Americans.

For those who need a reminder that the human spirit has not yet thrown in the towel, look no further than the guests from the USA at a Poole hotel and their incredible act of generosity.

Tony O'Sullivan, head wine waiter at the Haven Hotel, in Sandbanks, had agreed to help raise cash towards the cost of a special wheelchair for five-year-old Charlotte Olive, of Merley, who was born with cerebral palsy.

An American lady, with a young daughter of her own, approached the grandfather in the hotel, where a fundraising event for Charlotte was advertised, and asked him how much he was short of.

Mr O'Sullivan replied that the campaign was in its infancy and £3,200 was still needed.

The lady, from Colorado first wrote out a cheque for £100 then came back half an hour later and wrote another one for the full amount.

"In all the years I've been fundraising, I've never seen anything like it," Mr O'Sullivan.

"It was an unbelievable gesture and I was quite emotional about it."

The American guest - staying at the Haven with her family - wanted to remain anonymous.

Tony added: "Charlotte is a lovely little girl and the electric wheelchair is going to make a heck of a difference to her."

The story began when a member of the hotel staff, who used to baby-sit for Charlotte's family, explained the family's plight to Mr O'Sullivan.

The veteran fundraiser, who has raised thousands of pounds for Poole Hospital and other charities in the past seven years, organised a staff bowling night, a wine tasting evening and an Easter egg auction.

Mr O'Sullivan said he was amazed that it took only six weeks to raise the cash.

Charlotte's dad, Greg, said: "We are overwhelmed by the generosity of this family.

"It's life- changing for Charlotte.

"It will give her so much more freedom."

Mum Suzanne said: "It will give her complete independence and that's what she really wants.

"It's fantastic."

The wheelchair is now on order and will be arriving in three weeks.