FUNDRAISING for a Pontypool baby with cystic fibrosis has surged to more than £9,000, boosted by a series of events in the last few weeks.

The family of little Jaiden Jobbins already has the funds for a special chest therapy vest, which will help break down the thick mucus on his lungs.

Costing just under £7,000, this means the other donations from locals will be put forward to Jaiden’s Appeal to support him in the future.

Mum Teri, who says she is “overwhelmed” by the community’s kindness, is planning to purchase items such as a portable nebuliser, which they can take on days out and exercise equipment to help his condition.

In the last few weeks, the family has received donations from people all over Gwent. Benitos Restaurant in Risca ran a raffle, collecting £207.

Last Sunday, Abergavenny Pool League organised a tournament, at which Jaiden’s five-year-old brother Jamie was delighted to be awarded the player of the day, raising £230.

Local car fans have also chipped in, running a sponsored car cruise around Cribbs Causeway. Their total came to £386, and the fundraising does not stop there as another pool tournament will take place this Saturday at Talywain rugby club.

Entertainment including music, a bouncy castle, and face painting will feature from 11am.

Mrs Jobbins, amazed at how the appeal has snowballed, is now calling on locals to make Saturday’s event a success for organisers Mark Gibbs and his son Johnathan fromAbersychan, who wanted to support the cause.

The mum of two planned to organise a few car boot sales at first, until the Argus, Free Press and local businesses took the fundraising to another level.

“It has been fantastic,” Mrs Jobbins said. “Everyone has been so helpful and I can’t thank them enough.”