Nine-year-old fundraises for hospital charity

A nine-year-old "special girl" has organised an event to raise money for hospitals in Worcestershire after a family friend had two heart attacks.

Willow, who is autistic and has severe anxiety, came up with the idea to fundraise for the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity while out with her family at their local pub.

Her mum Lindsey said her kindness had touched people and had had a "big impact".

The event will feature bobbing apples, face painting and a pub quiz at The Talbot pub in Ledbury on 21 July.

Willow's family friend Lee Smith suffered two heart attacks in the space of eight months and was treated by staff at the hospital trust.

Mr Smith said he was over the moon when he heard about Willow's plan to raise money for the team that saved his life.

"While having her own things to deal with she's put them aside to organise the fundraiser with help from her friends and family.

"Willow is a special girl I'm grateful to have as a friend."

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