A LEOMINSTER family want to give something back to a charity that kept them close to their son when he needed them most.

Kayleigh Balcombe, 23, and her partner Wesley Worrall, 32, spent eight months in and out of the Ronald McDonald House in Manchester while their son, Coby-Lee, underwent operations and check-ups on his heart at a nearby hospital.

The charity gives families of children in hospital a place to stay, which Kayleigh said was a 'massive comfort' to have while Coby-Lee had surgery for four heart defects he was born with, one of which includes a hole in the heart.

She said: "When Coby was born he was rushed straight in to intensive care and soon after he underwent surgery - without it he would have died. "We spent so much time in hospital and I don't know what we'd have done without the House. It felt like a home from home - there are cooking facilities and there are other families going through similar things that you can talk to.

"We were always guaranteed a room. It's an amazing charity which relies on donations and it costs £500,000 per year to keep the house open.

"It was so hard seeing Coby go through all of the operations, but the charity made it easier."

The charity, which has houses around the country, requires a £20 deposit for the stay which is paid back when the family leaves.

The couple - who have been together for four years - have organised a fun day on March 23 between 2pm and 5pm which takes place at The Royal British Legion on South Street in Leominster.

Kayleigh will shave her head on the day and all funds raised will go to the charity.

"For what Coby has been through, shaving my head seems like something so small - my hair will grow back but the hole in his heart won't," she added.

"Although he's ill, he is such a happy child. He's constantly smiling and so content. His big brother, Carson-Lee, really loves him and takes care of him."

To donate to Kayleigh, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Kayleigh Balcombe or click here.