YOUNGSTERS enjoyed games and rides, a bouncy castle and barbecue at a fundraising fun day for Megan’s Smile on Saturday.

The charity, which supports families during long stays in hospital and promotes awareness of children’s heart defects, was set up earlier this year by the family of tragic Megan-Rose Gidley, who died in October last year after a 10-month battle for life.

The event took place at Orchard Nursery in Durdell’s Avenue, Kinson, which is attended by baby Megan’s brother Taylor.

Children and volunteers alike also donated their time to a car wash to raise some extra funds.

Megan’s mum, Jemima, said: “It was a great event, and it is really nice to have people getting involved in fundraising as it takes a bit of the pressure off us.

“We are so grateful to Orchard Nursery for all they have done.

“Megan was there the first time she collapsed and since then they have been so supportive of not just Taylor but our whole family.”

Megan suffered six cardiac arrests shortly after she was born and went on to suffer further arrests as a result of a congenital heart condition, spending only 70 days of her short life at home.

The charity set up in her name delivers vouchers directly to the wards of hospital-bound families whose children are undergoing treatment, so they are given a more comfortable stay, and it also offers a support service online.

“We are still growing and still a bit short of the funds needed to gain full charity status, but we have helped three more families in the last two months and our advice leaflets for new mums have been sent as far as America and New Zealand,” she added.

A second fun day in aid of Megan’s Smile takes place this Saturday at the Kasbah Club in Pokesdown, with a barbecue and disco. Visit the website facebook.com/ meganssmile for details.