A NATIONAL charity set up by a Horwich mum is looking for volunteers to help keep its good work going.

The Lagan’s Foundation supports families and in Bolton and beyond who have babies and children with complex heart conditions.

It was launched by Carren Bell following the death of her four-month-old daughter in 2011 and has gone on to support families throughout the UK.

As part of National Heart Month it is putting out an appeal to find more volunteers to help with its work and fundraising.

Home support co-ordinator, Kayleigh Robinson said: “There are over 40 families in the UK waiting for volunteers. The more we can get the word out there for help, the better, because the number of referrals we get is always getting greater and greater.

“The need for volunteers is massive. there are quite a a few families in Bolton waiting too.

“We are there for the parents after operations when the home nursing teams can’t be there, providing help.

“Our volunteers are there to help parents during the difficult times. They give up their own time to be able to help someone else for a couple of hours.”

Nearly one in 100 children in the UK is born with congenital heart defects.

Lagan was born in January, 2011, and went through open-heart surgery at Alder Hey Hospital in Merseyside within the first seven days to have any chance of life.

Her family struggled without much support when they returned home, feeling isolated and vulnerable, and following Lagan’s death in April established the foundation to prevent other families going through the same difficulties.

Volunteers undergo training to be able to provide a minimum of two hours per week respite for families with babies or children, aged up to five, diagnosed with heart defects and/or feeding difficulties.

The Home Support Workers offer help from watching children at the hospital bed side, to child supervised play sessions, assisted feeds, nappy changes, baths, friendship and signposting to extra avenues of support.

As well appealing for volunteers the charity is also looking for fundraising support.

Ms Robinson added: “The fundraising is a massive part, we are certainly always looking for grants, as its the only way we able to get things going. It can be difficult to finding funding so support is always welcomed.”

To find out more contact the charity on 01204 468300 or visit www.lagans.org.uk.