Wolverhampton family raising charity cash after baby tragedy

A family is raising money to fund research into childrens' heart defects after a nine-month-old baby died suddenly.

Marisa Paterson had no idea that her daughter Bella had a heart condition until doctors told her after the tragedy.

Now her family is channelling its grief into raising money for charity Tiny Tickers.

Marisa, of Wingfoot Avenue, Bushbury, said her little girl was discovered lifeless on her bed. She was taken to New Cross Hospital but attempts to resuscitate her failed.

"I started looking up problems with babies' hearts on the internet and Tiny Tickers came up," she said.

A collection was made by the family's neighbours and at Bella's funeral which they are planning to donate to the organisation. And the family has decided not to stop there – with a group of, so far, 23 friends and family taking part in the hardcore obstacle course Tough Mudder challenge.

Marisa and her 17-year-old daughter Shannon are also organising a charity auction at the Goodyear Pavilion, Stafford Road, Wolverhampton, on September 7. Prizes include stadium and museum tours at Anfield and Old Trafford, hotel and spa vouchers and signed celebrity pictures.

Marisa's husband's employer MTS has sponsored T-shirts for the fund raising challenges. To donate prizes contact Shannon at infoteambella@gmail.com