A MOTHER who organised a fundraiser to say thank you to the children’s ward after her baby daughter was hospitalised with breathing difficulties has raised more than £2,000.

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

Mum Claire Blaney, from Aspatria, said she was worried and took straight her to the GP.

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.

“She was really bad. They put her on oxygen and she was admitted to the children’s ward,” said Claire.

“It was really worrying. I didn’t know if she was going to be alright. It was such a stressful time, but the staff on the ward were absolutely fantastic.”

Dad Barry Cook was also there every day to be with his daughter, and the staff on children’s ward made this possible.

The couple, who also have a three-year-old son, Reece, wanted to give something back to the hospital, sparking the fundraiser. When Claire was speaking to staff they mentioned a need for Christmas decorations so she set her sights on this.

Taking place at Aspatria community centre last Saturday there was a bouncy castle, face-painting, tombola, a raffle, and stalls from Memories by Lisa Steele, Tropics, Body Shop, Handmade by Shelley, and Cakes by Liz Brough.

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

“The day went brilliantly. We had people in from 9.25am and there was always someone in, it was really busy most of the day.”

On the day Claire and her family managed to raise £788 and in total have raised £2,400 for the children’s ward.

“All who came said they really enjoyed it and it was an amazing atmosphere,” added Claire.

“We are totally overwhelmed and this money is going to help so much.

“We’ve really enjoyed doing it and want to thank everyone who has donated, bought tickets, came to the event and most of all who helped out because we couldn’t have done it without everyone.”

Claire would like to thank Ella’s auntie, Emma Cook, in particular for helping her with the organisation.