A FAMILY has raised hundreds of pounds for charities which helped save their daughter's life.

Three years ago, Eliza Bentham’s life was saved by Southend A&E and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) when she was just 15 weeks old.

Eliza was rushed to our local A&E in Southend after her parents found her semi-conscious and bleeding in her crib.

She was diagnosed with a malrotation with volvulus - a condition where the bowel becomes twisted - and needed immediate surgery.

She was rushed to GOSH where she underwent a laparotomy which confirmed her intestine had twisted over 720 degrees, cutting the blood supply to the bowel.

Luckily, medics worked hard to save her life and with the treatment she received over the six-week period she was kept there.

Carmel Bentham, Eliza's mother, said: "We are eternally grateful, not only for Great Ormond Street but also The Sick Childrens Trust for allowing us to live locally to the hospital in order to be there every waking moment for Eliza.

"We will never forget how amazing these charities and organisations were and to show our gratitude we recently organised an Indian charity meal to raise money with our friends and family by our side.

"On Wednesday the July 11, we raised more than £600 for the two charities and are very thankful for Shabash and all the local companies donating gifts to our raffle."

The companies who donated prizes include Shabash, the Brunch Co. and Henry Burgers all in Leigh Broadway, as well as The Other Kids, in Chalkwell.