THE CASH raised by a nine-year-old with autism to thank the charity which saved her friend's life will help save many more heart attack patients across Worcestershire. 

The £8,300 raised by Willow Williams in her 'Have a Heart for Lee' festival at the Talbot Hotel has been donated to Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity at a special ceremony.  

The charity has now revealed the cash will make a 'real difference' in improving cardiac services at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital. 

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. 

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On July 21, Willow, whose family meet Mr Smith regularly at the Talbot Inn, held a fundraiser to raise vital cash for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals charity.

The fundraiser saw an outpouring of support from the community, seeing a live auction, raffle craft stalls and food vendors.

Five live musical acts also volunteered their time to entertain the massive crowd at the fundraiser. 

Willow said: "I wanted to help Lee and to get all of the things that he needs so his heart doesn't give up. 

"It's been amazing planning the event and I really looked forward to making a piñata."

Willows mum Lindsay added there had never been anything like the event in Ledbury and felt it went better than she had ever hoped for. 

 “It has been great to see Willow get so involved with the planning and seeing the community come together has been really moving. 

"She has needed an army around her to make this work and they have gone above and beyond to help her. 

"Our heartfelt thanks go to the Willow's Warrior team."

Lucy Brown, Charity Engagement Officer, at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity added: “Supporting Willow and her Warriors throughout this event has been a real highlight of Worcestershire Acute Hospital’s Charity calendar, seeing the outpouring of support from the local community has been really special. 

"The funds raised will make a real difference for the patients, staff and services across Cardiology Services at Worcestershire Royal Hospital- thank you."