A LEDBURY youngster's idea to thank the charity that saved her friend's life has sparked a huge event and brought the entire community together. 

Lee Smith, 51, suffered a heart attack while playing cricket in June 2023, before having to go through the ordeal a second time in March, but both times he was saved by staff at the Worcester Cardiac Unit. 

Now Willow Williams, whose family meet Mr Smith regularly at the Talbot Inn, has organised a fundraiser at the same venue between midday and 8pm on Sunday, July 21 to raise vital cash for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals charity. 

Nine-year-old Willow, who has autism and extreme anxiety, suggested the idea last month, and along with support from parents Lyndsey and Ben and many of Mr Smith's friends, it has spiralled into a huge community event. 

The line-up for the event has now been announced, with live bands including Amaretto Lounge, covers group Frontrunner and The Lighter Thieves taking to the stage. 

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There will also be a hog roast, a pub quiz, face painting, competitions and a raffle.  

(Image: Lee Smith)

The event has become so big, organisers have applied for an emergency road closure, and they have received so many raffle donations that local auctioneers HJ Pugh have volunteered to host a mini-auction on the day. 

It is expected hundreds of people will be turning up on the day. 

Willow's mum Lindsay told the Reporter her daughter was a kind girl with a huge heart. 

She added: "It feels like something quite momentous can come from this as well as raising money for charity it is really bringing the people of Ledbury together. 

"Willow is excited but understandably a bit apprehensive about the event because of the nature of autism, but she will be in a safe place surrounded by people who love her.

"She has needed an army around her to make this work, so her friends and loved ones now refer to ourselves as 'Willow's Warriors' to show we are behind her and supporting her with this.

"Her condition means she can't always go to school, but what she has achieved here proves we are not all the same but we can achieve something remarkable."