A GRATEFUL mum-of-five is holding a bingo afternoon next month to raise money for a charity that saves babies’ lives.

Rebecca McAleavy is fundraising for Tiny Lives after they helped save her daughter’s life.Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary save her daughter’s life.

Little Keeva-Rose was born at just 29 weeks on March 9 2019, weighing 2lb 9oz –less than a bag of oranges – with under-developed lungs.

The tiny bundle was kept on full ventilation for the first 48 hours of her life, and after going through “the scariest time” of their lives, Whitehaven parents Rebecca and her husband Kevin are overjoyed to say Keeva-Rose is now happy and healthy.

And the adoring mum wants to give back to the charity that supported her and Keeva-Rose so well while they were in Newcastle’s RVI, by holding a bingo afternoon at Mirehouse Labour Club on Sunday, November 10.

The fun will begin at 2pm, and see a tombola, raffle and bingo with fabulous prizes on offer, including tattoo and food vouchers.

“We’ve already sold £600 worth of raffle tickets, so it should be really good,” Rebecca said.

On top of the bingo afternoon, which is open for anyone and everyone to attend, Rebecca will be scaling Scafell Pike on November 17 – World Prematurity Day – to raise even more money for the charity.

The Center Parcs employee will be joined by sister Toni Robertson, who has “never even walked to the shops before, never mind anywhere else!”.

Also tagging along will be Rebecca’s brother-in-law Scott Robertson, colleagues Lesley McWalter and Nicola Wylie, and nieces Nicola Schofield and Lorraine Mcalpine.

Commenting on the daunting hike, Rebecca said: “I actually can’t wait!

“We’ve been doing quite a few fells at weekends to get ready for it, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Rebecca has raised over £800 on her JustGiving page, and it is still open for donations at www.justgiving.com/rebecca-colalu

ca.

n For more details, or to donate prizes for the bingo afternoon, visit The Abattoir’s Facebook page.