A charity event is to be held in Abbots Langley to raise money for a five-year-old suffering from a rare blood disease.

Brooke Cornwell, of Breakspeare Close, Watford, has Diamond Blackfan Anaemia, a disorder which means her bone marrow cannot produce enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around her body.

She needs to have blood transfusions every three weeks and iron chelation therapy – to rid her body of excess iron caused by the transfusions.

The Watford Observer first highlighted Brooke’s plight in October 2007 and in February this year it was revealed how medical “red tape” was preventing her from receiving treatment she needed - iron chelation therapy.

Following media attention, Brooke was guaranteed by the West Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust that she would begin her course of treatment by the end of the same month.

Charitable duo Mandie Collingbourne, 31, and Kerri Chapman, 27, are now hoping to raise money to send Brooke to Camp Sunshine in Maine, America, so that she can meet and interact with similar children, as well as see a specialist.

Mrs Collingbourne, who lives in Boundary Way, Abbots Langley, said: “I saw an article on Brooke in the Watford Observer and was moved to tears.

“I’m a mother myself and couldn’t believe what little Brooke goes through and has been through over the years, she is so, so brave.

“I work as a buyer at Costco and know Brooke’s mother Amber who also works there.

“Amber has introduced me to Brooke and she’s such a lovely little girl, with a wonderful personality that shines through in spite of everything.”

As a result, Mrs Collingbourne and Ms Chapman, of Jersey Farm in St Albans, decided to organise a charity evening at The Swan pub, in College Road on Thursday, May 27.

Ms Chapman, a mortgage advisor, said: “The community has really come together to help support this charity event - a number of local businesses including Pin Wei, Velvet and Simon East Butchers have donated items for a raffle we are holding on the night and we have some really great prizes.

“Mandie and I have a jewellery business sideline, MK1, and we will have a stall at the pub on the evening, - as will Kelly’s Kandles and Kraft Kreation - selling various items, with a percentage of our profits going to help Brooke get to America.

“There is also going to be a barbecue, live music, lots of stalls and auctions.

“We want to get as many people to come along as possible, spending as much money as they can and helping to support this fantastic cause.”

Entry to the charity event is free and starts from 7pm.