STAFF at a Gwent bank are gearing up for a fundraising event for an appeal that could help a little girl walk.

Imogen Ashwell-Lewis, two, from Caldicot, has spastic diplegia cerebral palsy and her mum, Catherine, is trying to raise £40,000 to fund a pioneering operation, known as selective dorsal rhizotomy or SDR, which could help her walk on her own.

The radical surgery is not available on the NHS, but it is hoped that the money can be raised to fund the operation at a UK hospital.

Every year, staff at the Lloyds Bank branch in the town organise a community event and once again this year they were looking for a cause to support.

“I saw Imogen’s story in the South Wales Argus and thought it would be a good cause to support, especially as she is from Caldicot,” said branch manager Shaun Hiscock. “We’ve decided to host a charity dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Newport in September, and we’re looking for people to support us by coming along.”

The dinner in aid of the Help Imogen Walk appeal will take place at the Hilton on Friday, September 26.

“We’re looking to get at least 100 people there, and we’re hoping our customers and the public will get behind a very good cause,” said Mr Hiscock, who can be contacted for further details on 07867 191556.