KIND-HEARTED pub punters helped raise more than £13,000 to support a brave little girl with a rare gene mutation.

Throughout 2019 staff from The White Hart, West Bergholt, and The Red Lion, Marks Tey, held a series of fundraising events in aid of Grace Beverton.

At just a few months old the two-year-old was unexpectedly diagnosed with a gene mutation which causes seizures.

She is one of only 20 people in the world thought to have the mutation.

Whilst her seizures are now more under control, her parents have been forced to face the reality their daughter may not be able to walk or talk without significant help.

So the family set out to raise £40,000 to fund specialist physiotherapy so Grace can learn to sit unaided.

After hearing Grace's story firsthand, pub staff decided to take up her cause and managed to raise an incredible £13,007 over the course of the year.

Gazette: The cheque handoverThe cheque handover

Lyndsey Killick, who used to work at the The White Hart, said: "We first met her dad Dale when Grace was newborn through the landlords of the Red Lion.

"We were looking for a good cause to support so we decided to take it on.

"We hosted a range of fundraising events over the year.

"We had two members of staff do a coast to coast walk and I did a wing walk with a couple of customers.

"We also did a pub to pub walk between here and the Red Lion which raised around £3,000.

"We had copper donation points on the bar and the Red Lion held their own events too.

"Both communities in West Bergholt and Marks Tey got really involved."

Money raised by the family will also help cover the costs of special equipment or aids to help Grace in her development.

There are a number of fundraising events, including a midnight walk and glitzy ball, planned for 2020 in her honour.

Ms Killick added: "Over the last year the awareness about her condition has increased dramatically.

"The family are so grateful and things have really taken off for them.

"We really appreciate all the help and support we have received from people and Grace will be able to buy some much-needed equipment for the future using the money."

Visit facebook.com/pg/HopeForGraceBeverton to find out more.