A CHARITY event raised £1,105 to support a campaign launched in the memory of a five-year-old girl who tragically died from a rare disease.

Noah’s Ark Toddler Group hosted a Vintage Ladies Afternoon at Bewdley Baptist Church on July 2 to support Elizabeth’s Footprint, which launched in memory of Elizabeth Spencer.

Little Elizabeth, who lived in Kidderminster before moving to Cheltenham, died of HLH last December, just 18 days after contracting what was initially thought to be a cold.

Proceeds raised for the campaign will go to the Wallace and Gromit Grand Appeal children's charity, which is linked to Bristol Children’s Hospital, who cared for her.

The event was attended by Elizabeth’s dad Kevan, of Bewdley, and collected £552.65, with the toddler group doubling the figure to bring the amount raised to £1,105.30.

Organiser Carolyn Streatfield said: "It was a fantastic afternoon which was attended by 80 people.

"The aim was to raise support and raise awareness for the Bristol Children's hospital, which cared for Elizabeth.

"Together with donations we raised £552.65, so by match funding this we were able to send £1105.30 to our 'Charity of the Year'.

"It was a lovely but poignant afternoon shared with the Spencer family, Kevan Spencer, Nanny Gwen and Aunties Clare, Lucy and Lydia with supportive friends.

"Thank you to all who came and supported this event, it was a truly memorable afternoon and we are absolutely thrilled with the response."

A cheque for the money raised was presented to Elizabeth’s aunt Clare Smith at Church House Day Nursery, which Elizabeth used to attend, on Tuesday, July 19.

Ms Smith, who owns the nursery, has created 'Elizabeth's Room' in memory of the five-year-old, which is decorated to reflect her love of rainbows, dressing up and all things imaginative.

She added: "We are all really happy with the money raised.

"Elizabeth’s mum Natalia has so far raised over £50,000 during a coast walk so this £1,105 is going to go into this big pot for the Wallace and Gromit Grand Appeal children's charity."

Natalia hopes to raise more than £100,000 for the charity by walking the coast of Britain in 10 months, ending on December 10 to mark the first anniversary of Elizabeth's death.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Natalia-Spencer.