A PICKERING couple are celebrating their first baby's Christening by raising funds for the charity which supported them when their daughter fell ill.

Patryk Zoremba and Charlene Taylor are hosting a fun day on Sunday in aid The Sick Children’s Trust.

The couple were helped by the charity while their daughter, Maia-Mai was undergoing treatment at Leeds General Infirmary.

Maia-Mai was born on January 20 with breathing difficulties and after a couple of days her condition took a turn for the worse and she was immediately transferred to LGI.

After a number of tests Maia-Mai was diagnosed with Strep B, a rare and life-threatening bacterial infection.

Patryk and Charlene were able to stay close by to Maia-Mai in Eckersley House, a ‘Home from Home’ provided by The Sick Children’s Trust .

After spending just over a week in Leeds, Maia-Mai was transferred to Scarborough Hospital where she spent a further four days.

Now three months old, Maia-Mai is back at home and has recovered well. She will be Christened on Sunday and for the reception, her parents have decided to hold a fundraiser to thank the charity.

Charlene, said: “Patryk and I had never heard of The Sick Children’s Trust until we were in need of their support.

"We arrived in Leeds with no spare clothes, nowhere to stay and just £30 in our pockets, we were terrified for our little girl and the staff at the accommodation welcomed us in and really helped us to settle and get the rest that we needed.

Charlene said being able to stay in Eckersley House made sure that they could be by Maia-Mai’s side and for this they would always be thankful.

"Maia-Mai is our little miracle and we can’t wait to celebrate her christening with all our family and friends," she added.

" Now she is well and we are back home, Patryk and I are determined to make sure we give something back to the charity . Everyone has been so generous and we would like to thank all our local businesses who have donated raffle prizes. Everyone is welcome and we hope that our local community will be able to come along and help us support The Sick Children’s Trust.”

The family fun afternoon is taking place at the Recreation club in Pickering from 4pm and will include a bouncy castle, face painting, disco and refreshments.

Patryk and five of his friends have also opted to have their chest and legs waxed to fundraise for the charity and have already raised over £500 from this alone. Three of their friends are also taking part in a sponsored 10 mile mountain bike ride to fundraise for the charity.