AN APPEAL to raise funds to support a mum who suffered a massive stroke minutes after her twins were born has reached £13,000.

Charlotte Fairlie, who was being monitored for pre-eclampsia (a condition involving high blood pressure) had a stroke following the birth of healthy sons Fox and Teddy at Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny on December 14.

The 34-year-old mum, from Monmouth, was quickly transferred to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, after further complications led to a blood clot on her brain, followed by two brain bleeds.

Mrs Fairlie, a nursery school department leader, had to have part of her skull removed and spent two weeks in a coma.

The stroke had left her with right-sided paralysis, brain damage and loss of her short term memory.

She returned home in September and is continuing her rehabilitation.

Her close friend Jessica Haagen and a group of Mrs Fairlie’s old school friends, set up a fundraising page to raise £40,000 and have reached £13,708 in two months.

The money will be used help pay for equipment and support the family needs.

A fundraising night featuring live music, an auction, raffle and food will be held at The Gatehouse, Monmouth, at 7pm on November 21.

The items for auction and raffle prizes include a luxury stay at The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, tickets to see Rod Stewart and Noel Gallagher, a tour of Westminster Palace with afternoon tea, a hot air balloon ride and passes to Bristol Zoo. Admission is £10.

Anyone who can donate items for the auction or raffle can contact jesshaagen@hotmail.com

To find out more visit www.gofundme.com/CharlottesJourney