A BRAVE baby who died after he was born with half a heart has inspired a family friend to raise money for the ‘brilliant’ hospital which battled to save him.

Emma Abel is a close family friend of Dave and Beverley Rachel, parents of ‘little warrior’ Theo, and is determined to raise cash for Birmingham Children’s Hospital where he received his care.

Mrs Abel, aged 35, of Church Hill, Redditch, will be at a Cheerful Cherubs baby and children’s fair at Worcester Guildhall between 10am and 4pm on Saturday dressed as Minnie Mouse while Dave, of Warndon Villages, Worcester, will be dressed as Mickey Mouse.

Mrs Abel runs Mucky Monkeys, a children’s entertainment company, and all the proceeds from their face-painting will go to Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charities, helping other children like Theo.

Mrs Abel, who also plans to run the Birmingham Half Marathon for the cause, said: “I’m donating all the proceeds to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. “Dave and Bev are two of my best friends. We went to the hospital with them. Theo came to visit my husband on his birthday, two days before he died. It was such a shock when he passed away so suddenly. “One of the reasons for raising the money is the wondrous things Birmingham Children’s Hospital does. They took the stress away from Bev and Dave and they didn’t have to worry about travelling backwards and forwards. They could stay until midnight — they were absolutely brilliant.

“It’s such a worthwhile charity and you never know when you’re going to need it.”

So far Theo’s parents, family, friends and supporters have raised more than £3,200 for the cause. The family is also keen to support Ronald McDonald House where Theo’s parents stayed while their son was treated.

Theo was just three months old when he died at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester. He had a condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome which prevents the left side of his heart developing properly. The fair, organised by Jo Kelsall, has free admission and has a number of stalls offering everything from books and cakes to baby sensory, baby massage and pre-school music. The first 100 families also get free goody bags.

To support the Rachel family’s fundraising please visit justgiving.com/dave-rachel and pledge your support.