Online pet show supports Little Lost Ones Appeal at Leighton Hospital

Leah Banks, 20, from Winsford, is raising funds for the Little Lost Ones Appeal at Leighton Hospital.

The Barclays Bank worker has already organised several charity events, raising 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 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."

Leah's employer match funds all her efforts.

So far her pet show has raised more than £420.

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

"Horse riding is something I've always loved," said Leah, who started riding when she was young but only bought her first horse Priya six months ago. "We've worked through a lot together, she is lovely.

Leah only bought her first horse Priya six months ago but they already have developed a strong bond

"In my first show I came away with rosettes in every class but one. I'm looking forward to taking her out to other shows and I'm sure a lot of other people feel the same."

Leah's pet show has 12 classes for horses and six for any other animals, with prizes for cutest pet, best trick, and pet the judge wants to take home.

"This is a fun event, I am excited," said Leah. "It is open to any pets, guinea pigs, hamsters, cats and dogs."

Gucci, a pink parrot owned by Steph Newport, is among the entries

A pink parrot called Gucci, Shetland pony Mary and Harold, a catfish are among 150 entries received so far.

Stephanie and Tahnee Shaw with Mary, a Shetland pony, another pet show entrant

"There are prizes for every one of the 18 classes," said Leah. "I have lots of sponsors so every single penny donated will go to the Lost Little Ones Appeal."

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Catfish Harold who belongs to Susan Smith is also competing in the fun pet show

Leah, who has three dogs, Dexter, a springer spaniel, Kiya, a teacup Yorkie and Millie a Jackawawa, says people can also enter pictures of pets who have died.

Elaine Williams has entered her dog Paddy

Nine judges have volunteered to sift through all the entries and award the prizes.

Entry is £2 per class.

To register visit https://www.facebook.com/Online-Pet-Show-To-Support-Mid-Cheshire-Hospitals-Lost-Little-Ones-Appeal-102666664769884/

Once the registration fee is paid, entrants can send pictures of their pets to Leah on Facebook or if you are not on social media, call Leah on 07972 121552 or email leah.jane.banks22@gmail.com to arrange payment.

The competition is open until Wednesday, June 3. Winners will be announced on June 6.