A TODDLER who just a year ago was rushed to hospital alongside her baby sister jumped on her pony and completed a sponsored ride through a Vale village to say thank you for the care they received.

Fern Wells, is aged just three, but on Saturday she and her pony Norman completed a charity ride through the village of Dumbleton in order to give something back after receiving excellent care when she was admitted to Gloucester Royal Infirmary.

The youngster was admitted to the Gloucester Royal Infirmary after suffering a febrile convulsion due to a virus and at only five weeks old her sister May suffered the same virus and was very poorly. She was also treated at Gloucester and in Bristol.

The girl's mother Anna Rowland said they wanted to raise funds as the treatment they had been given by the staff and facilities for the children had been amazing making a very stressful time more bearable.

"Last year we had two hospital visits within the space of three weeks with our girls," she said. "Fern had a febrile convulsion due to high fever and May contracted the same virus and at only five weeks old was a very poorly girl.

"May spent three nights at Gloucester Hospital before thankfully coming home. I had never been so frightened in all my life both times.

"We were completely overwhelmed by the kind, amazing staff and facilities at the hospital, not only for the patients but for family and small visitors too.

"We want to give something back and wanted something both the girls could be involved with so we are doing a charity walk and ride through the village with collection tins hoping to raise money for this very worthy cause."

Fern’s ride has raised over £250 in aid of the Pied Piper Appeal, which funds medical and practical equipment to enhance the care of children in hospital.

The charity also provides support and equipment that can transform the lives of sick and disabled children at home and in the local community.

To support the charity and Fern visit justgiving.com/fernandnorman.