Pet show raises £800 for Little Lost Ones Appeal at Leighton Hospital

Animal lover Leah Banks, 20, from Winsford, has raised more than £800 for the Little Lost Ones Appeal at Leighton Hospital.

The Barclays Bank worker has already organised several charity events, donating more than £3,000 to refurbish a unit where families can spend precious time with their lost babies.

Leah's sister Chloe Ashworth 26, and husband Philip were heartbroken when they lost their first baby at 21 weeks, in January last year.

However they were grateful be able to spend 24 hours with their stillborn son in a private bereavement suite and have been overwhelmed by the ongoing support they have received from a specialist midwifery team.

Leah and sister Chloe

Leah said: "I want to thank the hospital for what they have done for us as a family. As well as my sister and brother-in-law getting time with their little boy, we were allowed into the suite so I met my nephew.

"The suite is a lovely thing, less clinical and more comfortable than a hospital setting. I wanted to support a charity that meant something to me."

Emma Jayne Didlick and Barrdene Nell Gwyn who was declared champion in the online pet show

Horse enthusiast Leah decided to organise the event because competitive shows have been cancelled due to coronavirus.

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Leah Banks and her horse Priya

The fun-filled pet show had 12 classes for horses and six for other animals, with prizes for cutest pet, best trick, and pet the judge wants to take home.

Laura Jane Palin and Ted, the highest scoring horse in the show

Maisie Chester and Treworgan Sealord, the best reserve

A pink parrot called Gucci, Shetland pony Mary and Harold, a catfish were among 150 entries that were received.

"Thank you to everyone who took part," said Leah. "The pet show has been brilliant. There was 18 winners in total."

All the winners received rosettes and prizes thanks to sponsorship from local businesses.