THE family of a Stourport child who suffered from a life-threatening brain swelling condition raised more than £1,800 at a family fun day.

Grace Marshall spent her sixth birthday lying unresponsive in a bed at Birmingham Children’s Hospital after suffering from encephalitis.

Her parents, Lisa and Cliff Marshall are now fundraising for the hospital which helped treat their daughter, and the fun day was the first of their events.

Lisa said: “It’s our turn to give a bit back to the hospital.

“We can’t give anything in comparison for them saving Grace’s life, but we can all raise money for children and families who may need these services in the future.

“I’m really grateful for everybody’s help in organising the fun day, especially Danielle Salsbury who played a big part in organising with me.”

The event, which took place at Areley Kings Village Hall, featured live music from local band Fullshore, a performance from J’s Top Rocking Hip-Hop dancers, a bouncy castle, tombola, animal lady and a barbecue.

Stalls also sold various fundraising items as well as a raffle where prizes donated by local companies and organisations were up for grabs.

Their next fundraising event will see the parents lace up their running shoes alongside sister Sarah Carswell and brother-in-law Ashley Carswell as they take part in a 13 mile run in Birmingham on October 14.

Lisa said: “We’ve been training for the run since Grace came out of hospital.

“It’s a daunting task and not something that any of us have done before. It’s a new experience and we’re just going to hope for the best on the day.

“We’re up to about nine miles with our training at the moment but we still have a few weeks left so should be able to make the 13 by the time it comes.”

The couple will be carrying out other fundraising events over the next few months to repay some of the work the hospital did to help Grace.

Lisa added: “We know that what Grace went through can happen to anyone, so we are hoping that people will give anything, no matter how small and help raise money for other people that may live this nightmare.”

For more information or to donate to the cause visit justgiving.com/lisamarshall84