Pub's fundraising day for tragic Doncaster tot born with terminal heart condition

Little Lilly-Jo has been battling for life ever since she was born just over a month ago – with her mum Gabby Bates, who is from Intake, upsettingly being told by medics that sadly, her baby is not expected to survive.

A huge fundraising drive has been launched to help mum and daughter create memories – and heartbreakingly, also to pay for the tot’s funeral when she passes.

You can donate to the campaign HERE

Meanwhile, residents are being invited to come together for a heartfelt community fundraiser in support of Lilly-Jo.

The Afternoon Tea Fundraiser will take place at The Spinney pub on March 10 from noon to 3pm, with organisers hoping to raise vital funds to help support the young child and her family.

Entry to the event is £5 per person, payable on the door, with all proceeds going toward the cause.

The event promises a traditional afternoon tea and live entertainment from singer Brad Lee.

A spokesperson said: “Every ticket makes a difference, every share spreads hope and “every donation helps a family in need.”

Courtney Hopkinson, who is behind the online fundraising campaign, said: "Precious Lilly-Jo came into this world already fighting.

“During pregnancy, her mummy, Gabby was told the devastating words no parent is ever prepared to hear — their baby had HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome), a severe heart condition that meant she might not survive long after birth.

"The doctors prepared the family for the worst. They gently warned that her time could be measured in moments.

“But Lilly-Jo had other plans.

“From her very first breath, she showed everyone just how strong she was. Tiny, delicate, and absolutely perfect, she wrapped her little fingers around her mummy’s hand and held on — as if to say, “I’m not going anywhere yet.”

“Days turned into a week. A week turned into two. Now, at four weeks old, our beautiful girl is still here. Still fighting. Still showing us what courage looks like in its purest form.

“Every cuddle with her mummy.

“Every kiss from her family.

“Every soft whisper telling her how loved she is.

“She has filled those four short weeks with more love than many of us experience in a lifetime.

"Her strength has brought her family closer together. Her bravery has inspired everyone who has met her story. Though she is so small, her impact is immeasurable.

“We don’t know how much longer we have with our sweet Lilly-Jo. What we do know is that she deserves the most peaceful, beautiful, and dignified send-off when her little body decides it has fought enough.

"She deserves to be wrapped in love, surrounded by the people who adore her, and remembered in a way that honours the warrior she is.

“We are humbly asking, if you are able, for any small donation to help give Lilly-Jo the best farewell possible — one that reflects just how deeply she is loved by her mummy Gabby Bates and all her family.

“No amount is too small. Every kind gesture means the world to us during this heartbreaking time.

“Thank you for reading her story.

“Thank you for holding her in your hearts.

“And thank you for helping us honour our precious, sweet, beautiful Lilly-Jo — our tiny fighter, our miracle, our forever loved little girl. The funds will be used to go towards her special day (funeral).”

19-year-old Gabby’s world was shattered with the news and was told Lilly-Jo may not live beyond the first 48 hours.

Grandmother Joanne Baines said: “She is slowly deteriorating but continues to put up an incredible fight.

"But as the days go by, we can see that her journey will soon come to and end.

"We're trying to make as many special memories with her all while trying to come to term with the arrangements for her final journey.

"No parent should ever have to go through this, especially a 19 year old.

“My daughter is losing her first child at the age of 19, but the strength in both Gabby and Lilly-Jo is incredible.”

What is Hypoplastic left heart syndrome?

HLHS is a rare congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped and incapable of supporting circulation.

Early signs and symptoms include poor feeding, cyanosis, and diminished pulse in the extremities.

Diagnosis can occur prenatally via ultrasound or shortly after birth via echocardiography.

If left untreated, patients with HLHS die within the first weeks of life while 70% of those that undergo three-staged palliative surgery reach adulthood. After surgery, children with HLHS typically experience neurodevelopmental as well as motor delay and are at an increased risk of heart failure as adults.