A FUNDRAISING ladies afternoon raised more than £450 towards an appeal to help a Caldicot tot have a pioneering operation.

Visitors to the Severn View Social Club, Caldicot, enjoyed face painting, stalls, a tombola as well as tea and cakes in aid of two-year-old Imogen Ashwell-Lewis.

Her mum, Catherine Ashwell-Rice, 36, of Lapwing Avenue, launched the appeal for her daughter last month through the Tree of Hope charity and has so far raised £4,683.86. She is raising the money so that Imogen can have a radical procedure to enable her to walk independently.

Imogen has a debilitating nerve-muscle condition known as spastic diplegia cerebral palsy, which means she walks on her toes, has stiffness in her legs and poor balance and co-ordination.

The mum of eight hopes a procedure called selective dorsal rhizotomy will help avoid further deterioration.

Ms Ashwell-Rice said it went really well. the event gave her the chance to talk to supporters and explain Imogen’s condition and the operation.

“It went really well, we were surprised by the amount of support shown,” she said.

“There was a steady trickle of people arriving throughout the afternoon and the volunteers and committee did a fantastic job.”

“We raised the funds by holding a raffle and our limited edition blue wristbands which sell for £1.20, in addition to our pink wristbands which are selling for £1 in Bargain Booze and The Cross Pub, Caldicot, Belle’s Beauty and the Diving Centre.” Fundraisers held so far include a ‘wear a onesie to school’ day at St Mary’s Primary School. The next events are a bucket collection at Chepstow Radio and a Play Farm Fun Day at Play Barn, Caldicot, both on March 22. If you are planning a fundraiser for the appeal let the Free Press know on 01633 777212 or visit the facebook page Help-Imogen-Walk.