THE FAMILY of a baby with a deadly heart condition are appealing for auction prizes for a fundraising event.

Tiny Joel Bearder featured in the Examiner last month after he fought his way back from the brink of death three times.

The Linthwaite three-month-old – once given just hours to live – was born at the Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax in July with a faulty heart valve.

He had surgery to correct the problem, but then caught an infection, causing further damage to his heart. Medics then found another part of his heart was leaking, leaving major surgery as his only chance of life.

Now his parents, Gaynor and Antony, live in hope that special drugs will help their son’s heart grow stronger, so he can have the life-saving operation.

Gaynor, 33, said: “He is doing really well at the moment. The consultants were really impressed with him the last time they saw him.

“The drugs have started working and if that carries on it will give him the chance of open-heart surgery to mend the leak.

“If it doesn’t improve and he can’t have the surgery he probably won’t survive.”

The couple, of Banks Road, have now made it their mission to raise cash to help other children with heart conditions.

A fundraising evening is being held at the Monsoon Indian restaurant in Slaithwaite on Sunday, October 21, to raise money for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund at Leeds General Infirmary, where Joel is being treated.

More than 120 friends and family have already bought tickets for the event, which will include an auction and raffle.

Anybody who can offer prizes is asked to contact Gaynor on 07983 966398 or email gaynor.bearder@btinternet.com