A FAMILY fun day inspired by a woman’s brave battle with a rare illness promises to offer enter-tainment for all ages.

Crossways Youth Club is hosting the event from 1pm to 5.30pm on Saturday Funds raised on the day will go to the Southampton Hospital Charity and Poole Hospital Charity in recognition of the care they provided for local woman Gemma Downton.

Gemma, who lives in Dorchester but was born and raised in Crossways, was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery last year to remove pressure from swelling in her brain.

After the operation in Southampton, she spent three weeks in a coma before beginning a lengthy rehabilitation process at Poole Hospital.

Doctors believe she suffered from a rare condition called acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.

Gemma is now well on the road to recovery and her family and friends want to say thank you to the hospitals involved in her care by raising as much money as possible.

Earlier this year a sponsored leg wax at the Sydney Arms pub in Dorchester raised more than £1,200 for the hospitals.

The fun day will include a bouncy castle, tug of war, face painting, a tombola, live music, traditional races and a grand lottery draw. There will also be a barbecue and refreshments.

Admission costs £1 for adults with children under 12 going free.