A MOTHER whose baby daughter was hospitalised with breathing difficulties is hosting a fundraiser tomorrow to say thank you to the children’s ward.

Eight-month-old Ella Cook has been suffering from chest problems since she was born, it was initially put down to common childhood problems, but two months ago her condition got significantly worse.

Mum Claire Blaney, from Aspatria, had taken her daughter to the GP several times but on this particular day she seemed to be getting a lot worse.

The doctor was also concerned, and rang an ambulance to take baby Ella to hospital.

At Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary she was diagnosed with bronchiolitis - a potentially-serious chest infection that is quite common in babies and toddlers.

In Ella’s case it was particularly severe, and her mum said she was struggling to breathe.

Claire explained: “From the minute we got into Carlisle they all looked after us. Ella was on a drip and oxygen it was heartbreaking but with all the help on the children’s ward she was allowed home after five nights.”

Dad Barry Cook was also beside himself with worry, so children’s ward staff made it possible for him to stay with them.

Now the couple, who also have a three-year-old son, Reece Cook, want to give something back and have organised a fundraising event for the hospital.

Claire continued: “When I was in I spoke to the staff and they mentioned wanting Christmas decorations and other items so I felt a way to say thank you would be to try and raise funds for these items.

“I never imagined using the children’s ward it’s something you never want - your baby being poorly - that’s why I want to help get Christmas decorations to make it extra special.”

The fundraiser will take place tomorrow at Aspatria community centre between 9.30am and 3.30pm with a bouncy castle, facepainting, tombola, stalls and raffle.