PARENTS of a brave Kidderminster girl who recovered from brain and heart surgery have raised thousands of pounds for the charity that offered them vital support.

Francesca was just two months old when she was rushed in to intensive care at Birmingham Children’s Hospital at the end of 2016, where she remained for almost six weeks until recovering from surgery.

Leigh Whitehouse, 30, and 28-year-old Rachel Leavesley were anxious to stay close to their daughter and avoid a daily 45-minute commute to and from the hospital.

Nurses told them about the nearby Ronald McDonald House – a charity which provides free accommodation to families with sick children.

The charity proved such a help that the couple held a fundraising event at The Gainsborough Hotel on February 2 to say thanks, raising more than £3,500 so far.

Leigh and Rachel said: “The evening was overwhelming. Thank you to everyone who donated and took part.

“We are passionate about this charity, we have seen first-hand how it offers a home-from-home for families, at probably their most difficult time.

“We would like to get the total amount raised to £5,000, we have about £1,500 to go.

“This will enable Francesca to sponsor a room at Ronald McDonald House, Birmingham.”

The event included a raffle, an auction with donations from local businesses, and live music from two bands who played for free, while the hotel did not charge to hold the event.

The couple will be organising other charity events and are inviting readers to help them reach their fundraising target by donating at justgiving.com/fundraising/Rachel-leavesley90.