A FUNDRAISING event organised by a Weymouth mum who almost lost her baby to a brain injury was held at Redlands Community Sports Hub.

The event on Saturday saw the hub’s sports hall transformed into a children’s play area with a bouncy castle, ‘diddy race course’ and soft play. Parents enjoyed teas and coffees in the hub’s lounge area and made a small donation so their children could use the facilities on offer.

It was organised by Lauren Robinson, 29, from Weymouth, to raise money for Southampton-based Ronald McDonald House and Dorset County Hospital.

Her son Jaxson, who is now 17 months old, was born three months early in DCH last year and was transferred to Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton for treatment after suffering a major bleed to the brain. During his treatment in Southampton, Lauren stayed at the adjoining Ronald McDonald House, a charity providing free ‘home away from home’ accommodation to families while their child is in hospital.

Lauren said the fundraiser was about trying to give something back, adding: “After Jaxson came out of hospital I kept in touch with the other mums I met there and we all stayed in touch and meet up and go for coffee. I told them about this and everybody was really supportive of the idea to fundraise.

“It doesn’t matter how much I raise because I cannot repay the people who saved my baby boy.”

Parents praised the event and the facilities on offer.

Mum Hannah McGuinness said: “It is good because this helps my daughter mix with other children and it helps give money to charity as well.”

Debbie Garland added: “My husband works with Lauren, so we knew about the event and wanted to support it. I know how important it is that the charity and hospital are funded.”

Children had their faces painted by members of the fundraising team from the Weymouth McDonald’s drive-through, who volunteered to help at the event. Christine Rowland, fundraising leader, said: “As soon as we were emailed we decided we would support it.

“The charity isn’t recognised enough for what they do. To come here today and see what Lauren has done is phenomenal.”