A pub has raised thousands of pounds towards life-changing surgery for a 17-year-old girl.

The Royal Standard in Upwey put on a weekend of live music to raise funds for Laurna Ewart so she can have vital surgery on her pancreas. 

The pub puts on a ‘Ju-Jam’ event every year for a charitable cause and this year manager Liam Johnson, and owner Jason House, decided to help her raise the £20,000 needed for the surgery and travel expenses.

Laurna, from Greenhill in Weymouth, was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition three years ago which has given her chronic pancreatitis – making it difficult for her body to digest food and control her insulin levels.

She also has attacks caused by severe chronic pain from the damaged organ, which her mum, Rebecca Ewart, helps to manage.

As a result, Laurna is hoping to undergo surgery to remove her pancreas and put the remaining healthy islet cells from her pancreas, which help control her insulin levels, into her liver.

The aim of the surgery, which is not currently available on the NHS, is to reduce her chronic pain and allow her body to better manage her insulin levels. 

Mr Johnson said: “It went really well. It was really busy and we ended up raising £2,800. A lot of people turned out, all the bands were really good, the auction went well and it was just a great weekend all round.”

“I thank all the people who turned out and all the bands that played.” 

Bands and soloists playing at the event included The Mad Hatters, The Leggomen, Blazin’ Strings and John Stone.

There was also an auction and a raffle at the event, each with plenty of prizes.

Mr Johnson added: “Rebecca is a very good friend of mine and the pub holds the event every year anyway and I just wanted to do something for Rebecca and Laurna. It makes us feel that we have done something for a good cause, which is rewarding.”

Anyone who wishes to donate towards Laurna’s surgery can do so by going to the 4 Laurna page at www.gofundme.com